In the year 1872, the members and community came together to build a sanctuary for a place of worship. Leaving no record, this information was gathered from old members that lived in the community and attended this church for our historical review.
St. Stephen Baptist Church was organized on the site it now stands. As the membership increased, the church prospered and the future of the church looked very bright. The late Rev. Chance, Rev. Williams and Rev. Easley were the first pastors to preach at this church.
In 1910, the members elected the Rev. John Jefferson as their pastor. During this tenure as pastor, the church was built and started to expand spiritually. Nicholas Middleton was licensed and served under Rev. Jefferson’s leadership. He served faithfully and to the best of his abilities until his death in 1926. After Rev. Jefferson’s death, the officers and members saw a need for a pastor and the late Rev. John Mustapher was elected pastor in 1926. The membership grew with his guidance and strong leadership.
Rev. John Mustapher ordained several deacons and ministers to carry on the gospel. Licensed as local preachers were: Adam Pettigrew, Isaiah Addison, and Moddi Greene. The deacons were: Lewis Edwards, Edward Middleton, Cephus Milford, Ramson Addison, Ned Winns, Barkus Davis and Leonard McKansley. Rev. Mustapher served dutifully as a leader until his retirement in 1936 due to illness. As an ordained minister in the church, Rev. Henry Haskell asked to be acting pastor during Rev. Mustapher’s illness. After Rev. Mustapher’s death, Rev. Henry Haskell was officially elected as pastor of St. Stephen Baptist Church. Under his stern leadership, the congregation continued to grow steadily. The rapid growth in membership caused the need for a larger church.
In 1949, the old church building was torn down and a new one was built on the site. Under his leadership, the following deacons were ordained and served: Hamp Middleton, Sr., Albert Ham, Ed Milford, Ramson Addison, Samuel Milford, Julius Wallace, Nemiah Ham, Solomon Brown and Jessie Mosley. Additionally, ministers that were licensed were: Frank Myers, David Pettigrew, William Golden, Peter Jones and John Brown. In 1953, with the hard work of the members and help of God, the church was completed and the corner stone was laid. During Rev. Henry Haskell’s leadership, many improvements were made. Electric lights and water systems were installed. He dutifully served as pastor for 23 years with spirit, dignity and pride until his death in 1958. After his death, the church was without a pastor for one year.
In September 1959, Rev. I.A. Jefferson was called to pastor St. Stephen Baptist Church. The ministers ordained under his leadership were Rev. David Pettigrew, Rev. William Golden, and Rev. David Addison. From 1963-1968 the church underwent structural renovations to the heating systems and the sanctuary and the addition of a kitchen and dining area. This project was done and accomplished through the help of the board of trustees and membership. In his divine wisdom, God saw fit to have the following deacons installed under the Sheppard watch of Rev. I.A. Jefferson: Saul Addison, Seward Middleton, Horrace Young, Woodrow Armstrong, Isaiah Warren, Buddy Staggers and Robert Willis.
In 1978, the congregation continued to grow and the church again, went through a metamorphis with the addition of a baptismal pool, several classrooms, library, administrative offices, custodian room, pastoral study and five restrooms. The second cornerstone was laid in 1979, and shortly thereafter, we lost a great Sheppard, Rev. I.A. Jefferson.
An election in 1980 yielded Rev. Fortune C. Haskell as the pastor. With his strong leadership and guidance, the church grew not only financially, but spiritually as well. The year 1985 brought on many new projects to include: new roofing, kitchen cabinets, new technology, upgraded heating and air units were installed throughout the church, new sound system installed, new steeple erected on the towers, and Christian education books/hymnals were purchased. The following organizations were formed: The Male Choir, Pastor’s Aide, Deaconesses, Brotherhood and YWA – Young Women’s Auxiliary. Under Rev. F.C. Haskell’s leadership several deacons were installed: Alva Dennis, Franklin Wilder, Willie Murrell, and Willie Mays. Licensed into the ministry was Rev. Edward Butler and ordained was Rev. Vincent Gillard.
May 19, 1993, a horrific fire destroyed the church campus. The emotions of the members were torn, but our spirits remained alive because we believed with undying faith, that God did not leave us. The storm was a test of our faith and testament as a whole. It is through these passions that we began to rebuild our church.
In the interim of the new church being constructed, we utilized at Gethers Funeral Home, St. Stephen Elementary and eventually St. Stephen High School for worship services and church gatherings. During our absence from our church home we continued in God’s work with the ordination of Rev. Edna Bryant and Rev. Ruth Gregory. Finally, in the fall of 1996, our church was completed and dedicated with the help of God Almighty, church members, the community at large and other supporters.
In the year 2000, after some much needed restructuring, the Rev. Harvey Mack, Jr., was elected as pastor. Under his leadership the following deacons has been ordained: Jarriet Mosley, Sam Smalls, John Wade, Edward Carter, Troy Goodman and William Dessaure. Ministers ordained were: Rev. Alexander Washington and Rev. Robert McCutchen. Rev. Daryl Frazier joined as a leader through membership.
Remember: Through God all Things are possible. This is one of Rev. Mack’s beliefs as well as the congregation’s. Let us continue to plant the seeds of God’s word in our hearts and minds.