St Stephen's, Congleton, Cheshire

 

In the left light of the middle window is the aged Simeon with the infant Jesus with the words inscribed 'Now lettest thou servant depart in peace'. The opposite window shows our Patron, Saint Stephen as he was stoned to death and his words were 'Behold I see the heavens opened'

Various other stained glass windows are dotted around the church.
People who wanted to share their love of God and the church with others has donated most of the ornaments around the church over the years and fortunately people have looked after these things.

The large wooden cross on the north side of the church was made and presented to the 'Team Parish' when four churches joined together in 1998, which are St John's Buglawton, Holy Trinity Mossley, St Peter's in Chapel Street and St Stephen's.

As you walk around the church, varying signs and symbols can be seen - A Dove represents the Holy Spirit. The letters I.H.S.- Iesus Hominum Salvator, Latin for Jesus, Saviour of mankind.

I.N.R.I. The initial letters of the Latin words over the cross of Jesus - Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum- Jesus of Nazareth , the King of the Jews. A Fish (Greek-ichthus) is a secret symbol used by the early Christians. PX The first two letters of the Greek word for Christ; X=Ch, P=r. Chi Rho.

The pupils and teachers of the original Sunday school paid for the large stained glass windows at the West End of the naive.
Above the South porch door you will notice as you leave an inscription, which reads 'This is the House of God'