History of St Francis, Church

The land for St Francis church was given by Mrs Jackson, Farnham’s first woman magistrate and member of the Parochial Church Council of St Andrew’s. It was the site of some old outbuildings

St Francis Church was consecrated on Tuesday evening, 14th May 1957.

St Andrew’s had previously had a Mission Church at Dippenhall made of wood and corrugated iron, which had become old and shabby.  With the development of new houses in Crondall Lane it made sense to think about moving it to a site nearer the newly developed houses.

Mrs Jackson offered to have a new church built in remembrance of her father, Revd. Francis Faithful.  Oak pews and a kneeling desk were brought from St Andrew’s church.

One of the old buildings on the site was left as the hall until fundraising by the congregation enabled the building of the present St Francis Hall.

The stained glass windows in the church were paid for by Lady Diana Gutch in memory of her husband and a student from the local Art College (now UCA) designed and made them.