About Us
St. Faith’s Church: A Heritage of Faith and Community
Founded in 1894, St. Faith’s Church has been a cornerstone of the Walsworth community for over 130 years. Our story began during the industrial boom of the Victorian era, when the expansion of the Great Northern Railway brought new life and workers to Hitchin.
Our History
Recognizing the spiritual needs of this growing population, the Reverend George Bernard Gainsford—a visionary and local landowner—funded the construction of St. Faith’s as a mission chapel. Built for approximately £1,000 and dedicated to the young martyr St. Faith, the church opened its doors on October 6th, 1894, welcoming a packed congregation of 280 people to its very first service.
For decades, St. Faith’s flourished through collaboration. In 1976, we entered a pioneering Ecumenical Partnership with the local Methodist Church. For nearly 50 years, this Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) saw our two traditions blend into a single, unified voice of worship. This formal agreement concluded in August 2025 when the last two Methodists worshiping at St. Faith’s left. However, the spirit of inclusivity and warmth fostered during those years remains at the heart of our identity.
Life at St. Faith’s Today
We are an active, welcoming congregation that believes faith is best expressed through fellowship and service. Our current life together includes:
- Worship & Music: Alongside our Sunday Communion, we host a small but dedicated choir and gather for a peaceful session of Silent Prayer every Monday evening.
- Connection & Learning: Our Mothers’ Union meets regularly, and our social study group, “After Eights,” provides a space for deeper discussion and friendship.
- Community Roots: We are a familiar face in Hitchin, hosting stalls at the Hitchin Market, participating in the annual Walsworth Festival, and holding our popular Summer and Christmas Fayres.
- Hospitality: We host a monthly Coffee Morning—a perfect opportunity for neighbors to catch up and for newcomers to feel at home.
Looking Ahead: We are currently working to relaunch our Mothers and Toddlers group on Thursday mornings and look forward to welcoming local families back into our hall very soon.
St Faith's Church building has undergone many changes in its relatively short history, but its people have consistently sought to serve the Walsworth area, to the east of Hitchin, living the good news of God's love by building relationships with the many and varied folk and communities which flourish there.