We acknowledge that this church property is on the ancestral lands of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Coast Salish peoples.
As you enter the five-acre grounds of St Stephen’s Anglican Church, off Mount Newton Cross Road, Saanichton, you immediately feel that you are in a special historical place—a place of peace and serenity.
The St Stephen’s church building is tucked away in the southeast corner of the acreage, nestled beside the tranquil cemetery. Built in 1862, the church is the oldest continually operating church in the diocese. Part of the cemetery is devoted to pioneer families from Saanich. The cemetery continues to offer burial sites by reservation (contact cemetery custodian Howard Kolson at 250-896-4531).
The church will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting Dec. 2, 2024, for visitors to sit and be still, knowing that God is present. Sunday service is held at 11:15 a.m. During July and August, services are at 10 a.m. every other Sundays, alternating with services at St Mary’s, the other church in the Parish of Central Saanich. The Christmas Eve service is at 4:00 p.m and the Christmas Day service is held at St Mary’s at 10 a.m.
St Stephen’s is available for baptisms, weddings or celebrations of life for up to 100 attendees. The property has an open, grassy area of about two acres, ideal for walking pets, or having a picnic with family and friends, or a corporate picnic with coworkers.
On the property resides the St Francis pet memorial pathway and garden, a place to visit and remember pets that have passed on, or a place to sit peacefully with your present four-legged companion. Pet memorial bricks can be purchased for $50 each, plus a suggested minimum donation of $50. Join us with your pet for an animal blessing service on Oct. 5, 2025 at 1 p.m. in the garden.
At the entrance to the property is the St Stephen’s memorial church hall, which is available for events on weekends and for evening functions during the week. The facility offers banquet-style seating and capacity for up to 120 people. The facility also houses a large, commercial kitchen, ideally suited for hosting events such as church council and corporate day retreats, as well as baptisms, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and celebration of life receptions. Groups such as strata councils, artists, photographers and dog club members may find this church hall meets their needs as well. An office and boardroom space are available in the hall for a short- or long-term lease.
For testimonials, visit the website of the Parish of Central Saanich. To inquire about potential bookings, contact one of the church wardens:
Lynda Clifford at 250-516-6478
Bob Buchanan at 250-818-5340
