WESTBOROUGH – For St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, it all started in a stable.
After spending several years worshiping in various parts of town, local Episcopalians purchased a property in 1898. The stable on that property was converted into the first St. Stephen’s.
Much has happened in the last 125 years – a move to its present building in 1957, the switch from a mission to a parish, the ongoing ministries, and the need to keep the church vital and vibrant.
Senior Warden Sharyn Philcox showed glimpses of the church’s history over the years. The first stop – a time capsule that had been buried in 1997. It was unearthed in time for the church’s 125th celebration, which took place on Sept. 16.
The capsule’s contents included newspaper articles, a cap commemorating the church’s 100th anniversary, a souvenir ornament and comments from parishioners.
The capsule will eventually be reburied, and it will have some company – artifacts from 2023, including memory stones, souvenir pens, photos and a “rainbow fish.”
The fish is part of the church’s efforts to be more welcoming to the LBGTQ+ community.
History, challenges
In 1872, local Episcopalians began worshiping in various parts of town, with help from St. Mark’s Church in neighboring Southborough.
St. Stephen’s began as a mission of St. Mark’s; even after the purchase of the house and stable it remained a mission until after World War II.
A growing church population led St. Stephen’s to purchase some property on John Street. For a cost of $154,000, the church was built and dedicated in 1957.
Twenty years later, the mission became a parish within the Diocese of Worcester.
Like many churches, St. Stephen’s has an older congregation. According to Philcox, church attendance has begun to climb back to pre-COVID levels, and it is trying to attract more families.
For the past two years, St. Stephen’s has shared a priest, the Rev. Mary Rosendale, with St. Paul’s in Hopkinton. The collaboration ends in 2024; it is unknown whether the churches will continue with the collaboration.
According to Philcox, the church would like to bring in Rosendale, currently a priest in charge, to become the new rector.
“One of the main things I’ve learned about what matters in our faith community is how the community stands by them during the trials of their lives, and their joys,” said Rosendale.
“I hope that after another 125 years the church continues to be a vibrant community.”
The church does not currently have an in-person Sunday school, but it does conduct a virtual Sunday school.
Ongoing programs at the church include the Elite Repeats thrift shop, which includes clothing, housewares, jewelry and toys. Hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
There’s also the Little Free Pantry, just outside the church. Those needing food may access the pantry and take what they need. The pantry is kept supplied through donations from various town groups.
“It’s a good church, with good people,” said Philcox, who’s been a member of the church for many years.
