The Historic Church at St. Francis has stood in the heart of Long Ridge Village since 1834, originally built by the Universalist Society, which had gathered locally since 1776. Designed in the popular Greek Revival style, its striking four-column façade and classic proportions remain a cherished part of the neighborhood's character.
By the early 1940s, the Universalist congregation had declined, and the church sat unused. During World War II, gas rationing made it difficult for local Episcopalians to travel into Stamford for worship. In response, a group of residents, led by Mrs. Harlan Logan, worked with St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Universalist Society to use the building for local services.
In 1945, sisters Mrs. Howard Gilmour and Mrs. Lucie Newton purchased the church and generously gifted it to the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. That Christmas Eve, the first Episcopal service was held in the Historic Church, and the Mission of St. Francis was born.
Over the decades, the St. Francis community continued to grow. In 1984, the Historic Church was expanded while maintaining its original beauty. In the 1960s, the parish acquired additional land and built Assisi Hall in 1968. Under The Rev. Richard Mayberry, who served from 1978 to 2007, a new worship space was envisioned and completed in 2001—a modern church designed for both reverence and acoustics.
In 2008, the sanctuary was enriched with a custom Konzelman electric action pipe organ, which now supports our services and musical events.
The Rev. Mark Lingle joined St. Francis in 2002, became Priest-in-Charge in 2008, and was installed as Rector in 2016. Mark was active in many local non-profit organizations, and spearheaded the creation of the Interfaith Social Ministry Collaborative. He served as our rector until 2024, when he departed to return to his Lutheran roots. St. Francis continues to be an active member of the Collaborative.
From its humble beginnings to today, St. Francis remains a vibrant spiritual home—rooted in history, open to growth, and committed to serving God, one another, and the wider community.