Saint Stephen
African Methodist Episcopal Church

In 1892, in a section of Jacksonville, Florida, called Burbridge, a small group began holding weekly prayer meetings in a home on the corner of Davis and Harrison (now 4th) Streets. In the spring of 1893, the group asked Reverend G.B. Williams, a young minister of the A.M.E. Church, to join them in the weekly meetings. Rev. Williams saw the possibility of organizing the weekly prayer meetings into regular church services. He inspired the people of the community to help him erect a bush harbor on the east side of Davis Street, between 4th and 5th Streets. There the faithful group worshiped each Sunday throughout the summer months. When the weather made it impossible for them to use the bush harbor any longer, they rented a small frame building on the northeast corner of Davis and 5th Streets and began holding services in the building .

In the winter of 1893, the prayer meeting group decided to organize and operate under the supervision of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and was called the Burbridge Mission . Reverend G.B. Williams was appointed the first pastor.   In 1905, a lot on the Northwest corner of Davis and 5th Streets was purchased for the purpose of erecting a building dedicated to the worship of God. After thirteen years of hard work and prayer, this congregation laid the cornerstone of a new building. A frame building was erected and later a stone building. Thus the Burbridge Mission became Saint Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church. It was a jubilee year!

Reverend G.B. Wilson became the first pastor after the stone structure was built. He was succeeded by the following ministers: Augustus Dixon, Matthew Thomas, George Milton, S.S. Andrews, B.B. Wilson, B.F. Brokenborough, J.F. Marks, James Murray, C.C. Simmons, J.J. Harris, A.P. Postell, W.D. Certain, T.D. Tyson, James A. Armstrong, and W.R. Akery.

In 1934 Saint Stephen celebrated its 42nd Anniversary. During that year, under the leadership of Reverend Carey A. Gibbs, the church broke all previous records of accomplishments when the $4,500 mortgage debt was reduced to $1,550 in a single effort. Reverend Gibbs was elected the 70th Bishop of the A.M.E. Church in 1948. Bishop Gibbs was succeeded by Reverends Dawson, S.G. Baker, D.B. Thorpe, T.P. Durhart, W.B. Coffey, and W.M. Williams as pastors of Saint Stephen.

In 1947, during the pastorate of Reverend F. Andrew Roundtree , a new Religious Educational Building was dedicated. Contractor Albert Pierce, Sr. and sons, Albert, Jr. and Warren, all members of Saint Stephen at the time, lent their skills and services to erect the building. In 1949, the “old” Saint Stephen was demolished and plans for a “new” Saint Stephen were started. Succeeding Rev. Roundtree as pastor of this church were Reverends F.E. Sneed, T. Wilford Bullard, and J.W. Armstrong .

In December 1957, Reverend J.S. Johnson was appointed as pastor. Through his untiring effort and dynamic leadership, the vision of the new Saint Stephen was realized. Members of the church banded together and gave of their time, talents and treasure to achieve victory in the vision. Among them were Brothers J.E. Terrell (brick masonry), J.W. Philyaw (carpentry), Reverend L.W. Howard, Sr. and son Brother John A. Howard, Sr. (carpentry, wood fixtures, and accessories), and Brother Harry V. Johnson (landscape). The erection of this edifice is a tribute to Reverend Johnson and the loyal members of this church. On August 13, 1961, the new Saint Stephen A.M.E. Church was dedicated.

In February 1969, Reverend Robert V. Webster served as interim pastor during the illness and after the death of Rev. Johnson. He was officially appointed to serve as pastor in August, 1969.

Reverend Webster, along with his wife, Carole, served this church and community diligently for 23 years. During that time much was accomplished: countless numbers of souls were saved, mortgages liquidated, land acquired, and structures purchased. Our greatest honor during his tenure was to have Reverend Webster elected the 110th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The entire membership was overwhelmed with joy to have him accomplish this goal while a part of the Saint Stephen Family as well as during our Centennial Anniversary Celebration.

In September of 1992, following Bishop Webster’s election, Saint Stephen was blessed with dynamic and spirit-filled leaders, Reverend Michael L. Mitchell and his wife, the late Denise R. Mitchell. Under the leadership of Reverend Mitchell , Saint Stephen soared to higher heights. Our church is growing spiritually and numerically due to the expansion of weekly spiritual enrichment ministries and the addition of special interest Service and Outreach Ministries.

The physical structure of Saint Stephen has also improved greatly under Pastor Mitchell’s administration. The Educational Building has undergone extensive renovations which included the installation of an elevator and the remodeling of the offices, restrooms, auditorium. The Sanctuary was beautified with the addition of chandeliers and new wood paneling. A steeple was added to the structure and additional property was acquired.

The mandate of Stewardship was emphasized with Pastor Mitchell issuing the challenge to the members to make a Commitment to Active Stewardship. God revealed to Pastor Mitchell that in order to continue the legacy of our forefathers and build a spiritually prosperous future for Saint Stephen, the members must enter into a covenant with Him by making a vow to give of their time, talent and treasure to His church.

In 1997 Saint Stephen welcomed a new First Lady.   Pastor Mitchell was joined in matrimony to Cordelia Mitchell. Sister Mitchell immediately stepped in, giving her total support to Pastor Mitchell and the membership in carrying out the mission and vision of the church.

Keeping with the vision of ministering to the needs of the surrounding community, a grocery store and several lots of land were purchased in 1998. Education and social enrichment continued to be an essential focus as the After School Tutorial and Scouting programs expanded in participation.   Additional property has been purchased and increased our holdings to all adjacent land to the church.   Plans are now underway to erect a community Business Complex that will house businesses and services for the edification of the people of the surrounding neighborhood and church.

Perhaps the greatest undertaking in recent years is the erection and opening of The Saint Stephen Child Care & Learning Center . In January of 1999 the steering committee, lead by Sister Linda Henry, began planning and preparation to ensure that our child care center would be the premier provider of Christian and early education in the city of Jacksonville. On August 2, 1999 , the doors were opened and an new era of Saint Stephen began. The Child Care & Learning Center represents God’s continuing vision of our future. The motto, “Nurturing Young Minds Today for a Brighter Tomorrow” , serves to strengthen our faith and commitment, knowing that God has entrusted us with such a delicate and important step in the building of the future of his people.