Part of a series of profiles of congregations across the Diocese. See more here. Submit your congregation’s profile here.
On November 20, 1882, the first St. Stephen’s, Riverside worship service was held at 3 PM in second-floor rooms rented by Robert M. Weeks for $15 per year. By 1886, the first chapel was built, a memorial gift from Mrs. Deborah Kirkham Rodman. The Parish House, also a gift of Mrs. Rodman, was completed in 1896.
After 80 years, the final worship services were conducted and the old church was demolished. In 1967, the corner stone was laid for the second St. Stephen’s Memorial Church. Today, we continue to celebrate our rich history, with a focus on the future. We enjoy, and have been enriched by, our long-standing association with St. Stephen’s, Beverly. We are better together.
St. Stephen’s, Riverside strives to be a community where God’s unconditional love is practiced. We are a friendly, open-minded community who are happy to welcome you into our church family. We maintain a genuine commitment to inclusivity and diversity. In fact, Episcopalians have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being.
St. Stephen’s welcomes everyone, without regard to race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or spiritual background. We believe a diverse community fosters an environment of mutual respect and trust, treating everyone with dignity. God loves you – no exceptions!
Our commitment to love in action is demonstrated through a vibrant outreach ministry. We partner with area churches to support Fishes and Loaves, providing food and supplies to the community. We celebrate God’s gift of gratitude by supporting the United Thank Offering (UTO), the Adopt-A-Family Christmas program, and Boy Scouts Troop 2, one of the oldest active troops in New Jersey. We remain committed to serving the diverse community of Riverside and the surrounding area.
Always looking for new ways to be of service, we have partnered with Family Promise of Burlington County, a program dedicated to providing HELP, HOPE, and a SAFE HAVEN to families in need of affordable housing. Host Congregations help local families facing homelessness by providing temporary overnight lodging, meals and hospitality, while case workers help families find and secure permanent housing.
In addition to our 10:30 AM Sunday Worship, we hold Wednesday morning prayer, a welcome midweek break where we pause, worship and pray.
Our parish is ideal for wedding ceremonies, and our Metzer Hall is available for private parties. Flexible seating serves up to 50 guests.
Our Mission: St. Stephen’s Memorial Episcopal Church, Riverside celebrates the Gospel through Worship, Words and Actions, proclaiming God’s love by helping others. We maintain a genuine commitment to inclusivity and diversity in our church family, striving to be a community where God’s unconditional love is practiced, and everyone is treated with dignity.
Visit us
on the Web
