St Stephen’s 60th Anniversary Appeal

Protecting our church • Preserving our heritage • Serving our community

Celebrating 60 Years of St Stephen’s

In 1965, the people of Upper Basildon gathered to dedicate the newly built St Stephen’s Church. Since then, for 60 years, it has been a place of Christian worship, prayer, and celebration, as well as a welcoming venue for concerts, groups, and community events.

But our story goes back even further — the very first St Stephen’s was a simple ‘tin hut’ built in 1895, standing as a sign of faith and community in the village. Today, we continue that legacy as we celebrate 130 years of Christian presence in Upper Basildon and 60 years in our current church building.

The Challenge We Face

Time and weather have taken their toll on the church building. Essential external works are now urgently needed to protect the structure and ensure it remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

Independent surveys have highlighted:

  • Crumbling render and masonry letting in damp.

  • Poor drainage causing water damage.

  • Rusting steelwork and rotting timber joinery around windows, doors, and roof edges.

  • Frost-damaged brickwork in key rainwater outlets.

Without these repairs, the damage will worsen, future costs will rise, and our ability to serve the community will be at risk.

Our Plan

We are undertaking a programme of essential external repairs and redecoration, including:

  • Repairing and restoring render, brickwork, and masonry.

  • Installing a new French drain to protect walls from water damage.

  • Refurbishing or replacing gutters, fascias, soffits, and window frames.

  • Treating and repainting steelwork to prevent corrosion.

  • Applying protective weatherproof finishes to safeguard the building.

The total cost of the project is estimate £30,000 + VAT. Which brings our 60th Anniversary Appeal target to £40,000.

Why This Matters

St Stephen’s is more than just a church. It is:

  • A place of worship and prayer, open to all.

  • A centre for community life — from toddler group, regular post office and school events to concerts and celebrations.

  • A space of welcome and support — our café tackling loneliness, fellowship groups, and pastoral care bring people together.

  • A cherished landmark of faith and heritage at the heart of Upper Basildon.

Investing in these repairs is investing in the life of the village and safeguarding this community asset for generations to come.

How You Can Help

We warmly invite you to join us in our 60th Anniversary Appeal. Every gift, large or small, will help us protect the building and continue our mission.

💛 Ways to Give:

  • Parish Giving Scheme – join as a regular donor to sustain the life of the church.

    👉 Click Here to give through the parish giving system: https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/basildon-st-stephen-reading/

  • One-off donations – contribute directly to the 60th Anniversary Appeal.

    Bank Transfer: Name - PCC Basildon. Sort Code 30-96-96. ACC: 02676076  Please ref ‘Anniversary Fund’ so we know how to allocate your gift.

    Please make any cheques to “PCC Basildon”.

Together for the Future

For 60 years, St Stephen’s has stood as a beacon of faith and welcome in Upper Basildon. With your help, we can ensure it continues to do so for the next 60 years and beyond.

Rooted in Christ • Alive in Faith • Reaching Out in Love