A Community Rooted in Faith, History and Hope

Welcome to St. Stephen’s United Reformed Church, a place where tradition meets transformation and where everyone is welcome.

Located in the heart of Leicester, our church has been a spiritual home to generations since 1865, when our first congregation gathered in Temperance Hall. Through time, trials and triumphs, St. Stephen’s has stood as a beacon of faith and community, rebuilt in 1894 on De Montfort Street and enriched by the stories of countless worshippers.

At the heart of our church is a commitment to inclusive worship, compassionate service and deep connection. We are proud to be a welcoming congregation—whether you’re exploring faith for the first time, returning to church or simply visiting.

Our Mission

To love God with all our heart, soul and strength—and to love our neighbours with open arms and listening hearts.

Our Values

• Faithfulness to scripture and to one another
• Hospitality for all people without exception
• Service to the local community and the wider world
• Creativity in worship, music and outreach
• Remembrance of those who came before us and hope for those who come after.

A Church of Beauty

Our sanctuary is adorned with some of Leicester’s most beautiful stained glass windows, including works by  Edward Burne-Jones and J. Henry Dearle, a living reflection of the church’s artistic and historical significance.

Our historic pipe organ, once hand-pumped and now electrified, continues to inspire worship and concerts alike—keeping our musical tradition alive for a new generation.

Who Are We?

St. Stephen’s, formerly a Presbyterian church, is today part of the United Reformed Church which was created in 1972 by the merger of the Presbyterian Church of England and the Congregational Church in England and Wales, followed later by Churches of Christ in 1981 and Scottish Congregationalists in 2000.

The URC has a three-tier structure:

• the General Assembly which is its ultimate decision-making body;
• 13 Synods, each covering a geographical area and providing oversight for the churches in its area; and
• local churches, each of which has an Elders’ Meeting – which enables the Minister and Elders to share pastoral and spiritual leadership – and a Church Meeting where members gather to seek God’s will and to discuss the life and work of the church.

Many of our churches are linked with each other in “Areas” in order to share ordained ministry among local churches; and so, in the case of St. Stephen’s, we are one of five churches belonging to West Leicestershire Resource Area of East Midlands Synod.

The other four churches associated with St. Stephen’s in West Leicestershire Resource Area are in the villages of Groby – where our Minister is based – and Enderby, together with Braunstone and Christ Church (Rowley Fields) in Leicester.

St. Stephen’s is the only URC located in the city centre.

More information about the United Reformed Church and our beliefs may be found in the websites for URC (www.urc.org.uk) and East Midlands Synod (www.urc5.org.uk).

Meet Our People

At St. Stephen’s, we are led by our Minister,
Rev Paul Ellis – with others leading worship as required on a Sunday – together with a dedicated team of Elders, organists, and volunteers among the church membership, each of whom brings their own gifts in service to the church and our community. You can find more information by clicking the button below: