As Welwyn Garden City developed in the 1920’s,  the spiritual needs of the new arrivals were to be provided for. In the earliest days the Meeting Room, located  approximately where the main entrance to John Lewis is now, was provided and a curate from Hatfield—Revd J B Hunt was given responsibility for this new place. The first Evensong took place there on 24th April 1921 and once a sanctuary had been established he  was licensed to carry out Holy Communion on Wednesdays.

A new Sunday School and a provisional Church Council was formed in September 1921 and later a Church Worker's Guild. After the death of Revd. Hunt, Revd. Walter E Hardcastle took over responsibility and eventually became the first vicar of the new Parish in October 1927. 

The site for the permanent Church had been agreed in November 1921 at a cost of £1350. By early 1923 a contract to construct a dual purpose hall was signed. It was opened on 21st October and became  home to a full range of Sunday and weekday services until 1935. You can just see the original hall building to the far right of the photograph.

The town was expanding at a great pace and a community around worship and mission developed. The church was yet to be built and in December 1927 the architect Louis de Soissons was instructed to prepare plans. Some 18 months later, with £700 in hand,  his plans for a basically Italianate style of building were being considered and the likely cost was £17,000. After some fundraising, and contracts had been signed, Bishop Michael Furse laid the Foundation stone on 29th July 1934 and the church was dedicated on 18th May 1935. Our 70th celebrations mark the anniversary of this dedication.

Over time, generous donations of money and effects were made and the church evolved. The Meeting Hall was used during the war and until 1950 as an overflow for Parkway School but by the end of the 1960’s it was showing costly deterioration.  By then it was also hoped to complete the church building site soon, despite a low sum of cash in the building fund.  An idea to build flats for the elderly on the site of the Hall eventually came into fruition, releasing funds to complete a reduced sized church, new Hall and substantial connecting porch. The work was completed on 12th June 1977 and dedicated by Bishop of St. Albans, Robert Runcie. The original entrance porch was successfully converted into a chapel dedicated to St. Clare, much of the work being carried out by members of the congregation. Over time the fabric of the church building developed, and in 2004, after huge fund-raising efforts, the architect’s original plan to develop two-storey accommodation at  the Parkway boundary became reality. This project enabled the development of a new Parish room on the ground floor — much needed by the parish and community groups– and a music room on the first floor provided space for the church choirs and musicians.

St. Francis Church has always been an outward-looking church and plays  an important part in the lives of its worshipping congregation and the wider local community. Supporting people on their spiritual journey has been an important part of the church's ministry. The first Alpha Course, a programme designed to help people explore their faith, was held in 1996. To date, the church has organised 22 Alpha courses, involving over  300 people.

Offering services accessible to all ages can prove a challenge.  As far back as the late 90’s the introduction of the morning Pram service, the expansion of Toddler groups, the use of more inclusive language in services and the launch of Sunday informal services were important steps. Making young people feel welcome has also been a priority and the church has employed youth workers for many years. A generous donation in 1999 made it possible to upgrade the church cellar for youth and community use and it is a meeting place for many young people in the parish. Our link with the 1st WGC Scout Group has also been  important. Currently the Group offer Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to over 120 boys in the parish. Working with the local schools, in particular Stanborough, Applecroft and Lakeside Schools , has been an excellent way to build relationships with children and the teaching staff. Our special days inviting youngsters to the church to learn about the real meaning of Christmas, Easter and the Church have been very successful.

Prayer is an important aspect of the life at St. Francis and as the Fellowship of Prayer celebrates 15 years this year, we also celebrate the success of ‘Adopt a Road’, a system delivering cards throughout the parish to let people know that they are in our prayers and offer them an opportunity to ask for special prayer. The Prayer Day, offering people the opportunity to experience different types of prayer, is now a regular event in the church calendar.

With the positive support of the present Vicar Revd. Canon Peter Louis, a number of people within the congregation have considered their own calling to the ordained ministry. This has led to twelve people being accepted for ordination and reader training many of whom now serve as readers, curates and vicars both locally and further a field.

The church has had for many years a local and national reputation (including nationally renown Men and Boy’s Choir, St Francis Singers and Girl’s choir) for musical excellence. Easter 2003 saw the magnificent performance of the Musical ‘Resurrection’. The programme of musical events for the Anniversary celebrations demonstrates the church’s enthusiasm and commitment to reach people  through a wide range of musical traditions.

Preparation for Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage are essential to the work of the ministry team at St. Francis, and every year many parents, young people and adults make a commitment to God, church fellowship and to each other. Funeral services and support for the sick, elderly and bereaved continue to play a significant part in the church’s pastoral ministry.

Extracts from the history of St. Francis of Assisi Church written by

Phillis Weaver  1995  

Link to Historic Photos of St Francis Church

St Francis Parochial Church Council (PCC),

Parkway, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6HH, United Kingdom