Working closely with the Chapter, consultants and members of staff, he expanded and renovated the shop and Refectory restaurant, and opened a new Visitors’ Centre in the disused undercroft, while firmly maintaining an established free entry policy.
In 1992, to celebrate 900 years of worship and activity since the foundation of the Abbey of St Werburgh on the same site, the Dean launched ´Building for Tomorrow´, a city and countywide Appeal for funds to restore the Cathedral to its former glory, while making it fit for purpose in the new millennium.
[4] During this creative period Stephen also introduced a new Girls’ choir, designed colourful modern vestments, supported and took part in Chester's medieval cycle of Mystery Plays, and appeared on regional and national television, most notably in the BBC's flagship religious programme, Songs of Praise.
Perhaps his lasting legacy was to create what became known as ´The Dean's Breakfast´, a forum intended to bring together influential leaders from the private, public and third sectors to respond caringly to current economic, social and faith issues.
His final acts of service were to commission the replacement of the standards of St George and the Union Jack in the church grounds, and to officiate at the installation of The Reverend Noel McGarrigle as Vicar of St. Paul's, on 3 July 2023.