As the 20th century unfolded, the world around St Stephen’s Church shifted dramatically. What had begun as a tranquil parish on the edge of Bath was suddenly swept into the currents of war, social transformation, and architectural evolution.
During both World Wars, the church played a quiet but vital role. St Stephen’s became a sanctuary—not only spiritually, but physically—for a community grappling with uncertainty and loss. Its walls echoed with prayer and comfort, its doors remained open to those in need, and its clergy walked alongside their parishioners through the darkest of times.
Post-war, Bath saw significant redevelopment. As new homes and roads crept further into Lansdown, the character of the community began to change. St Stephen’s responded not by retreating into its past, but by stepping forward with purpose. Outreach programs, musical events, and a renewed focus on inclusivity helped breathe new life into the church’s mission.
By the 1960s and 70s, the church also faced the practical challenges of aging infrastructure. Rather than allow history to decay, the community rallied to preserve and protect. Restoration efforts were launched, and the interior saw careful updates to better serve both worship and wider community use.
St Stephen’s weathered these decades not just as a building, but as a symbol of resilience—of tradition meeting transformation with grace.
In Part Three, we’ll look at the church today: a place rooted in heritage, yet fully alive in the present.