our history
1935–1938: Beginnings
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The parish of St Stephen’s Droylsden was established in 1935, with the first Mass celebrated above the Co-Op at the Toll Bar.
Father Malone served as the first Parish Priest, and his sister, Miss Nora “Mollie” Malone, became headmistress of the new school. Early parish life was full of spirit — pantomimes, parish dances, and even operettas. |
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1938–1957: The Wooden Church
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In 1938, a wooden church was purchased and set behind the site of our present building. It became the beating heart of the parish for nearly two decades. Father Malone began the May Procession tradition, and Sundays were filled from morning Mass to evening Benediction.
The warmth of community filled even the simplest space. |
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1958–1959: The Foundation Stone
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Parishioners dreamed of something lasting — and their generosity made it possible. The foundation stone of the new brick church was laid by Bishop Beck on January 18th, 1958. Designed with a marble interior and altar by Alberti Lupton & Co., the church opened debt-free in 1959, consecrated under Father James Power. The stone remains beneath the pulpit — a symbol of enduring faith.
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1960-1970: Facing the People
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In the early 1970s, following Vatican II, the altar was moved from beneath the crucifix to face the people, as guided by Bishop Geoffrey Burke and Rt Rev Thomas Holland. The tabernacle remained on its marble pedestal. Masses were held hourly each Sunday from 8am to 11am, with an evening Mass at 6.30pm, and early weekday Masses for workers and schoolchildren. At Christmas the crib stood under the church stairs. The parish group was St Vincent de Paul.
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1989–2013 — Father Fallon’s Years
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Father Willie Fallon served St Stephen’s for 25 years with gentleness and faith.
He oversaw improvements to make the church more accessible, cared deeply for parishioners, and is fondly remembered by all. His memorial plaque reads: “The harvest is rich but labourers are few.” |
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2017–Present — A Modern Parish with Deep Roots
In August 2017 Father Bernard Wilson M.A.was appointed Parish Priest and has been faced with the completion of the refurbishment of the house. The redecoration of the church had been started when the altar area was complted during Father Tierney's time. The rest of the interior has now been fully redecorated under Father Wilson's guidance.
We now have a modernised Church and a new Parish Priest to guide us all forward in Faith.
We now have a modernised Church and a new Parish Priest to guide us all forward in Faith.
2013-2017 Father tierney
Father Tierney was appointed in 2013 to July 2017. In which time he redecorated parts of the house and replaced the central heating system. Money was raised through the Social Committee with kind cooperation of the parishioners to pay for all the kneelers in Church to be repaired and recovered. Prior to this work more space at the rear of the Church was created by repositioning and removing some of the benches. Following this
the aile's and the altar were recarpeted. An unpopular action was the removal of the marble altar which has now been replaced with the modern one we have today.
the aile's and the altar were recarpeted. An unpopular action was the removal of the marble altar which has now been replaced with the modern one we have today.
Several curates have been appointed to St.Stephens over the years:-
In Father Malone's time there was
Father Murphy - He played for the parish football team and if you tried to tackle him he would say 'Confessions on Saturday' or '1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's'.
Father Handley.
Father Hennessey - He was partiel to an apple and blackberry pie.
In Father Power's time there was;-
Father Carey - Asked one of the parishoners to put his bets on for him as he thought it was unseemly to see a priest in the bookmakers.
Father Wilson.
Father Morris.
Father Edward Morrisey - Came in 1966 he remained for the next 11 years before accepting the honour of Parish Priest at St.Edwards,:-Rusholme.
Father Seamus Quigley.
In Father Bulfin's time there were :-
Father Quigley.
Father Corconan.
Father Duncan McVicker.
Father Rodney Nelson - From South Africa.
The anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone at St.Stephens.
The pictures below show this event on 18th January 1958.
In Father Malone's time there was
Father Murphy - He played for the parish football team and if you tried to tackle him he would say 'Confessions on Saturday' or '1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's'.
Father Handley.
Father Hennessey - He was partiel to an apple and blackberry pie.
In Father Power's time there was;-
Father Carey - Asked one of the parishoners to put his bets on for him as he thought it was unseemly to see a priest in the bookmakers.
Father Wilson.
Father Morris.
Father Edward Morrisey - Came in 1966 he remained for the next 11 years before accepting the honour of Parish Priest at St.Edwards,:-Rusholme.
Father Seamus Quigley.
In Father Bulfin's time there were :-
Father Quigley.
Father Corconan.
Father Duncan McVicker.
Father Rodney Nelson - From South Africa.
The anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone at St.Stephens.
The pictures below show this event on 18th January 1958.
