In 1873, the St. Stephen Baptist Church was founded under Reverend Morris. The first structure was located on Wells Station Rd. and later moved to Garvin Avenue (Berclair Road). The church remained at this location under the leadership of it's second pastor, Reverend Peter Holmes, and third pastor, Reverend Tom Holmes. The church continued to grow and flourish under their leadership. The fourth pastor, Reverend J. C. Cryer, led the flock for twenty three years. Under his leadership a new building was erected. The fifth pastor, Reverend Fred Thomas, he served as a successful leader and pastor for seven years. Under his leadership an elementary school (grades 1-8) was established.

The sixth pastor, Reverend H. A. Maney, served as pastor for four years. The seventh pastor, Reverend J. W. Alexander, led the flock for seven years. This pastor organized many auxiliaries in the church. The eighth pastor, Reverend C. J. Barton, had a vision to build and dedicate a temple. He was not able to accomplish his vision. He only served one year. The ninth pastor, W. T. Vanhooks, led the flock for twenty three years. Under his leadership, he tore down buildings and built new ones. The St. Stephen Elementary School was dissolved under his leadership in 1951. During his tenure, the choir took their version of  the "Old Ship of Zion" on the road performing this play across Tennessee.

The tenth pastor, L. L. Love, known as a great humanitarian and ambassador for Christ gave new life to the auxiliaries. He was a great leader, preacher, and builder. Under his leadership a new church was erected at a new location. In 1960, the St. Stephen Baptist Church relocated from Berclair Road to a new edifice at 3045 Chelsea Avenue. After seventeen years of service, Pastor Love moved to another field of labor. The deacons held the congregation together until the Lord sent a new shepherd to watch over the flock.

In April 1974, the St. Stephen Baptist Church members, came together , being led by the spirit, and elected a young man Reverend James A. Adams as its eleventh pastor. This thirty three year old preacher had preached his first sermon a little more than seven years before and pastored a church in Arlington, TN. He amazed the congregation with his first sermon as a minister entitled, "I Must Preach."

This young man came with sound doctrine, spirit filled preaching and teaching, vision, wisdom, structure and outstanding leadership skills. He change the hearts and minds of the members to always think positively and to be givers. Upon his arrival the church began to grow physically and spiritually. The church at this time had a seating capacity of less than 200, fewer than 250 members, a sanctuary that measured 70 ft. x 36 ft.

In 1976, under the proven leadership of Pastor James Adams, the first addition to the original structure began. The remodeling included the sanctuary, the kitchen, pastor's study, pavement of the parking lot, new pews, office furniture, steam table, stove, table and chairs. By 1979, the church had outgrown that facility. The church purchased property west of the church with plans to build the dream.

In 1980, the church acquired two properties. One located diagonally across from the old sanctuary at the corner of Chelsea and Oriole and the other at the corner of Chelsea and Sunset.

In 1981, the ground breaking for the new sanctuary began. The new edifice was completed in May of 1982. The new facility measured 96 ft. x 72 ft. with a setting capacity of 700. New pews and furniture were included in this expansion. This edifice was dedicated to our Lord and Savior on May 30 - June 4 1982 as our house of worship.

Under his leadership, the church continued to flourish spiritually, physically and financially. He organized new auxiliaries and outreach ministries. The church "where everybody is somebody" also became the church that reached all age levels. A nursery church, junior church, special interest group for the youth and young adults (BBSIG's), women's chorus, male chorus, hospitality ministry (Hostess), community choir (Christ Ambassadors), mamma and papa bee's support group, willing workers club and matrons all gave birth under Pastor Adams leadership.

In 1988 - 1989, the church acquired property directly behind the sanctuary with the vision of adding a gymnasium and a fellowship hall. In 1989 the vision became a reality. St. Stephen became the largest church in its surrounding community and the first African-American church to build its own gymnasium and Family Life Center. This addition also included a new kitchen, nursery, music room, bathrooms, and seven classrooms. The vestibule was extended and a balcony added for additional seating. New instruments, tables and chairs were also purchased. The church rejoiced in membership of 1200. 

In 2000 the church purchased three fifteen passenger vans. Pastor Adams has labored hard for the advancement of this church spiritually and financially. 

In 2002, the church purchased 6.9 acres of land at 4245 Singleton Parkway. Pastor Adams, being inspired by God, was given the vision to relocate the church from 3045 Chelsea Avenue to 4245 Singleton Parkway.

On July 11, 2005, The St. Stephen Baptist Church held it's ground breaking ceremony for the edifice at the new location. The vision included the erection of a new facility with a new sanctuary wedding chapel, gymnasium with a walking track, computer room, and fellowship hall.

Thank you PASTOR ADAMS for the leadership you provided.

 

 

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