St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

On June 12,1912, Bishop Edward Temple, the Bishop of the Missionary Dictrict of Nort Texas (1910-1924) traveled to Sweetwater to start a tent mission through the summer until October, which drew many people to the Episcopal services. Alice Burnside Paret worked faithfully for the building of the small parish in 1912, and asked to name it St. Stephen's after her former church in Baltimore. Eventually a new brick church was built in 1921 at 502 Locust.

In 1974, St. Stephen's stepped out in advance of the diocese with the first woman lay reader in Northwest Texas. In 1986, the Rev. Frank Swindle became their vicar, and served St. Stephen's, All Saints' in Colorado City, and St. John's in Snyder (now closed), followed by the Rev. Dennis Bosley. In 1989, the church received large legacies from two estates, and planned for remodeling of the building. At one time they also boasted an Episcopal School.

Today St. Stephen's is led by tthe Rev. Bryan Callen who also serves All Saints' in Colorado City.