It’s a Celebration
By Cheryl A. Rainey
Celebrate is what St. Stephen AME Church in Chicago did on Sunday, April 29, 2018. Joined by friends, family, and former members, this historic congregation once known as the Cathedral of the Westside, marked its 146thanniversary by gathering in one joyous worship celebration.
St. Stephen’s history began with the meeting of its first congregation in the home of Melinda C. Porter. Present at that inaugural service was Nancy Monroe, who’d run away from her Kentucky slave master. Mother Monroe’s great-great-granddaughter, Sister Ella Burnett, sings in the Gospel Choir. Sister Burnett’s daughter, Sister Melvina Campbell, serves on the Board of Stewards and Sister Burnett’s granddaughters are members of the praise dance team.
St. Stephen is proud that Chicago’s first Black hospital, Provident Hospital, was birthed in the St. Stephen congregation. Yet, one of our proudest accomplishments occurred under the pastorate of now Presiding Elder Albert D. Tyson, III. On December 6, 1999, the edifice in which the congregation had worshiped since 1929 suffered a devastating fire. For seven years, Pastor Tyson shepherded “the church without walls” with ministries in tack and fully functioning. During that time, the Senior Ministry made five trips to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Our Prison and Angel Tree ministries also grew.
Stronger and more cohesive than ever, the congregation of St. Stephen moved into its current edifice in June 2008. Not only did Elder Tyson keep the family together during our time of transition after the fire, he holds the record as the longest-serving pastor of St. Stephen. Elder Tyson served for 26 years from 1985 to 2011.
The congregation was excited to hear through him what thus saith the Lord. In keeping with the anniversary theme, “Hear and Do,” Elder Tyson preached from Exodus 24:1-8 with the subject, “Can You Keep Your Word?”
The Rev. James C. Bailey received his appointment as pastor of St. Stephen on November 3, 2011. The congregation welcomed Pastor Bailey along with the first lady, the Rev. Ericka Bailey, and the entire Bailey family, rallying around them. Pastor Bailey has put his mark on St. Stephen with innovative training and programs. Four to six-week sessions held during the Sunday School hour on health, finance, and prayer have helped to better prepare the congregation to live our motto, “Serving an Excellent God in an Excellent Way.”
The St. Stephen soup kitchen, under the direction of chief cook Brother Lloyd Edgerson serves more than 100 meals per week on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Our dedicated volunteers register guests, cook, serve the meals, and clean up afterward.
It was in the wonder of all this good news that the congregation celebrated its 146thanniversary. Thanking God for the glorious earthly foundation He has provided, the St. Stephen congregation looks forward to continuing to “Hear and Do.” Congratulations to anniversary chairpersons, husband and wife team, Brother Theodore and Sister Pearleatha Standley. Thank you for your dedication and commitment. Most of all, thank you for putting God first and being led by the Holy Spirit.
St. Stephen’s 146th-anniversary celebration culminated with a delicious dinner, prepared by our talented cooks and culinary experts, topped off with a beautiful and tasty anniversary cake. What a celebration.
Cheryl A Rainey is a Chicago-based entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and presenter. She attends St. Stephen AME Church. She can be followed on Facebook at Cheryl A. Rainey.
