Situated close to the city centre, St Stephen's was consecrated on October 28 1869 as the first ‘free' church in Belfast, ie no rental was charged for any pers / seats. Seating was provided for 1,000 souls from all parts of Belfast. The first sermon was preached by Bishop Alexander of Derry, whose wife Cecil Frances Alexander, writer of All things Bright and Beautiful and There is a Green Hill Far Away, accompanied him. A few years later a church hall was added which was also used as a school to provide education for the children of the district. In 1964 a road widening scheme in Millfield resulted in the seating capacity being reduced by around 50 per cent. In spite of redevelopment resulting in a major dispersal of parishioners, many still remain faithful to ‘their church' and this ethos has continued, resulting in a very family orientated and warm and welcoming atmosphere. In the 1970s the halls were requisitioned by the British Army and units of various regiments were billeted during the Troubles. In 2006, following the closure of St Luke's Church, this became a united parish and a side chapel was dedicated which is used for certain celebrations of Holy Communion. The church building is listed as a place of historical and architectural significance and contains many stained glass windows which are irreplaceable.