ABOUT
St. Stephen's is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. We are a loving church family which encourages regular ministry and parish activities beyond Sunday worship. We share our time, talent, and treasure with others in need. We will continue our work to bring God’s message more fully to our community through increased outreach and evangelism.
BRIEF HISTORY OF ST STEPHENS
An Episcopalian is a member of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Our church is a branch of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide group of Christians numbering over 40 million.
St Stephens has grown with the community of Clifton Heights but at the time of its organization, was part of Upper Darby Township. It was on a Sunday afternoon, May 5th, 1872, that the Reverend James Brooks, the Rector of St Georges Church, 61st and Hazel Avenue, Philadelphia, held a service in the school house.
The first celebration of Holy Communion was held on October 27, 1872/ The first class present for Confirmation was presented on November 14th and the first Baptism was administered on December 29th of the same year.
On October 12, 1878, the cornerstone of the church buildng was laid by the Reverend William Stevens, Bishop of Pennsylvania. He consecrated the building on March 15, 1879.
The cornerstone of the Parish Hall was laid by Bishop Stevens on October 9, 1880. Mr. Thomas Scott, Esq., the President of the Pennsylvania Railroad, built the Parish Hall in loving memory of his son. The Scott family lived in Aldan and were members of the Parish.
Additions were built in 1958 and again in 1970.
St Stephens Church is a welcoming congregation, a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We are a loving church/ family which encourages regular ministry and parish activities beyond our Sunday worship. We share our time, talent and treasure with others in need. We will continue our work to bring God’s message more fully to our community through increased outreach and evangelism. We pride ourselves on being a “family” congregation.
Rector - Currently Vacant - In Search
STAFF
Parish Administrator - Cynthia “Cindy” Haupt
Preschool Director - CindyBuchanan
Wes Gerlacker - Sexton
VESTRY
John “Bart” Bartholomeo Senior Warden
Michael Miller - Vestry Accounting Warden
Frank Prendiville - Vestry Property Chairman
James Vani - Vestry
Connie Wright - Vestry
Wes Gerlacker - Vestry
Virginia Thompson - Vestry
Kate Zimmerman - Vestry
Barbara Stump - Vestry
Annmarie Bartholomeo - Treasurer
St Stephens Vestry consists of eight (8)) members who are duly elected by the congregation. Each member serves a three (3) year term which can be for a second term. They act as the parish “Board of Directors” and manage its business affairs. The religious affairs are tended to by the pastor. The Vestry members also acts in the capacity of liaison between the congregation and the various groups and programs and advocate on their behalf to keep the Vestry apprised of any issues.
Vestry members also:
- Act as agents of the parish in all matters pertaining to physical assets
- Ensure all business is conducted consistent with the Standard Business Methods outlined by the Diocese
- Ensure worship continues in the absence of the pastor
Vestry meetings are conducted on the first (1st) Wednesday of the month, at 7:02 PM, in the parish meeting room These meetings are open to the congregation and the Vestry encourages attendance to observe and offer any
new ideas for the conduct of the parish business.