St Stephen’s Church EHOD 2026

Enjoy a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the Victorian Treasure that is St Stephen’s Church of Ireland Church on Millfield in Belfast. As you enter through the 1960’s façade be surprised by the original 1869 Victorian arcaded form. The first ‘free church’ in Belfast, designed by Thomas Drew, recent modifications have created a multipurpose worship and ministry space which is still in use. Enjoy refreshments as we tell you the story of this beautiful church, originally constructed in 1868-69 to designs by Sir Thomas Drew (1838-1910). St. Stephen’s was the first new church building Drew completed as diocesan architect, his career culminating in his design for St. Anne’s Cathedral which he completed in 1904. Remarkably St Stephen's survived the Blitz of Belfast in 1941 when much of Millfield Street was demolished and the church contains ‘the finest collection in the province of stained glass by Daniel Braniff’ (Patton, p. 236). The church has a rich history, the Vestry is built over a well which served the area in Victorian times and the church hall which is now demolished was not only a space for social and spiritual activities but originally an Elementary School and in later years a base for British Forces during ‘the troubles’.  Ministry continues on a Sunday and a partnership with The Hub Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast provides a vibrant ministry to students in both the Belfast Metropolitan College and Queen’s University Accommodation nearby.