About Us – St. Stephen AME Church

About Us

St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church History

Early Beginnings (1878–1885)

The origins of St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church date back to 1878, a time when Asbury Park was a small community with only a few African Americans living there. Among this group, some came together to form a congregation for religious worship. Property was leased from Dr. H.S. Kinmouth, providing them with a place to worship, which brought them great joy. The earliest authentic records of the church are found in the New Jersey Annual Conference minutes, spanning from the church’s organization in 1874 to 1885.

Initially established as a mission, the first mention of the Asbury Park church appears in the 1880 Annual Conference minutes. A letter from the congregation described the church’s condition and requested that it remain a mission with Elder S.J. Berry appointed as a missionary to lead them. During another session of the same conference, Brother Ward, a delegate from Asbury Park, addressed the assembly despite lacking official credentials. He reported the church’s financial challenges, including a debt of $280 for the building, $130 for the land, $48 owed to a store, and $36 owed to Elder T.W.H. Hinton—a total debt of $494. Brother Ward reiterated the congregation’s desire for the church to remain a mission under Elder Berry’s care.

However, at the closing session of the conference, Matawan and Asbury Park were combined into a circuit under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Daniel F. Bradley and Reverend J.H. White.

In 1881, when conference reports were called, Brother Wm. H. Van Clief, delegate from Asbury Park, shared the congregation’s progress. He noted that they had paid the pastor’s full salary and unanimously requested Reverend Bradley’s return. His financial report included $2.00 for conference support and $1.00 from the Sunday School. At that time, the church had 12 full members, 4 probationers, and 25 enrolled in the Sunday School.

Zion Church continued to grow steadily. At the 1882 Annual Conference, Reverend Bradley reported that both Matawan and Asbury Park churches were in good spiritual and temporal condition. He highlighted the progress in Asbury Park, despite challenges such as losing one good member and dismissing one bad member. The congregation had made improvements and paid Reverend Bradley an annual salary of $200, along with house rent, all of which were current. They had also given him a $40 gift.

The church had a fine chapel at Asbury Park but faced difficulties acquiring a lot to move it to. Reverend Bradley voiced the congregation’s desire for a dedicated pastor to serve only their church. Letters from the Sunday School and the Board of Trustees echoed this sentiment, expressing appreciation for Reverend Bradley’s dedication and requesting his return.

In response, the Annual Conference assigned a pastor exclusively to the Asbury Park church, allowing the congregation to begin organizing independently. Under Reverend Marshall’s leadership, the church was eventually relocated to Springwood Avenue.

Progress and Growth (1884–1923)

As a Methodist church, unique in its itinerant system, ministers came and went. Yet, under their guidance and with the help of God, the church continued to experience progress and growth. In 1884, under the leadership of Reverend Filmore Smith, the old church was torn down, and the congregation temporarily worshipped in the school building on Springwood Avenue until the new church was rebuilt in 1885. Interest and enthusiasm were high, and the congregation grew.

During the last quarter of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, itinerancy in the A.M.E. Zion Church was strictly observed, resulting in frequent changes of ministers. Many pastors served the Asbury Park congregation—some were evangelists, others were organizers, and still others brought diverse gifts and talents of Christian leadership. Together, they contributed to the spread of the gospel and the growth of the church.

In 1912, Reverend Andrew R. Jackson, then pastor, was inspired to plan for a larger Zion. Alongside the membership, $106.85 was raised and deposited toward an expansion program. This marked the beginning of a new era for the church.

At the 1913 Annual Conference in Paterson, NJ, Bishop George Wylie Clinton consulted with Dr. W.H. Coffee and Honorable John C. Dancy before appointing Dr. S.D. Conrad to pastor the church. Bishop Clinton challenged Dr. Conrad with the task of building a new church in Asbury Park.

Dr. Conrad proceeded cautiously, first paying off a $600 debt. In the spring of 1914, plans for a new church began. At the suggestion of Mr. Preston Laster, a member of the building committee, a mortgage was placed on the old Springwood Avenue property, and the current site on Union Avenue was purchased. Plans were drawn up, and the new building was contracted at a cost of $14,000.

Reflecting on the responsibility of pioneering and building the present house of worship, Dr. Conrad said: “I felt very humble in the face of the responsibility I was to assume in coming to Asbury Park. I found loyal people waiting, ready, and willing to assume this responsibility with me. I was pledged the heartiest and fullest cooperation of the Boards of Trustees and Stewards, local elders and preachers, and an enthusiastic body of men and women of the church who, for the seven years of my pastorate, never flinched or faltered.

“When we marched on that memorable day from the old church on Springwood Avenue to the present site on Union Avenue, we stood with our hearts uplifted to God on the spot acquired for a new and greater A.M.E. Zion Church. I had chosen Mrs. Mary Hubert, lovingly known as Mother Hubert, to turn the first spadeful of earth. As she stood with the spade on her shoulder, she uttered this challenge: ‘If you will shoulder the cross as I shoulder this spade and have faith in God, the victory is ours, and we will have a new church.’ And so, with faith in God, sacrifices that cannot be fully recorded here, untiring labor, and perseverance, we began to build the present St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church.”

Early 20th Century Progress:

In December 1914, under Dr. Conrad’s leadership, the congregation and choir marched from the old Springwood Avenue Church to the present location. The Grand Lodge of Masons of the State of New Jersey laid the cornerstone during a special ceremony. Despite hardships, delays, and increased costs that brought the final expense to $20,000, the church was completed through the loyalty, prayers, and efforts of its members.

Bishop George Wylie Clinton of Charlotte, N.C., Presiding Bishop of the New Jersey Conference, dedicated the church with an impressive ceremony. The Bishop presented a $500 check from the Women’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the General Church.

For seven years, Dr. Conrad faithfully led the church, leaving a legacy of beauty and worship. After his tenure, Dr. W.H. Eley became pastor. He was known for his intelligence and piety, and during his administration, the pipe organ was installed, and the church flourished.

Building the Congregation and Church Improvements:

In 1923, Reverend O.J. Remsen succeeded Dr. Eley, focusing on building the congregation. Within a short time, the church was attracting large crowds, and several improvements were made, including the installation of fine oak pews, swinging doors, and roof repairs. After five years, Reverend Remsen left the church in excellent condition and free of debt.

In 1928, Reverend Simon Peter Trigg was appointed pastor. A fiery preacher, he filled the church with worshippers every Sunday. Reverend Trigg also introduced the church’s first outdoor bulletin board.

Reverend D. Grecian-Donawa (1931–1944):

Reverend Grecian-Donawa served for 13 years and achieved significant accomplishments:

Organized the Sunday School into departments with departmental superintendents, annual promotions, and required training for officers and teachers.
Provided small chairs for young children in Sunday School.
Oversaw the redecoration of the church and girding improvements, even during the Great Depression.

Although economic challenges necessitated taking out a mortgage, it was reduced to $1,200 before Reverend Grecian-Donawa transferred to Washington, D.C.

Reverend R. Farley Fisher:

Reverend Fisher, an experienced pastor and presiding elder, led the church in paying off the mortgage, repairing the downstairs Sunday School room, and starting a parsonage fund. This fund allowed the church to purchase and renovate a property for the pastor’s family.Additional accomplishments during Reverend Fisher’s tenure included:

Purchasing a new communion table and choir chairs.
Installing a baptismal font.

Reverend Fisher was later elected General Secretary at the 1948 General Conference.

Subsequent Leadership:

Reverend C. Guita McKinney (1948–1950): Attracted many young people and adults through dynamic programs, increasing interest and membership.
Reverend E.R. Michael (1950): A spiritual and community-focused leader who worked with the Shore Area Council of Churches and was an active speaker on local radio broadcasts. His efforts, alongside his wife’s, strengthened the church’s ties with the broader community, fostering goodwill and growth.

Reverend W.A. Blackwell, who had previously managed the A.M.E. Zion Publication House in Charlotte, NC, succeeded Reverend Michael as pastor. Reverend Blackwell was an able and efficient administrator, supported by his wife, who used her musical talent to organize the church’s first gospel chorus. This group, which still bears his name, added to the church’s vibrant ministry. Unfortunately, illness interrupted Reverend Blackwell’s career, but during his tenure, the church auditorium was attractively decorated, beautifully carpeted, and fitted with new front doors.

Expanding Vision Under Reverend O.G. Goodwin (1954–1967)

In 1954, Reverend O.G. Goodwin became the pastor of St. Stephen. Reverend Goodwin had successfully pastored other churches and brought with him a clear philosophy of success. As a preacher, leader, and Christian worker, he demonstrated what it takes to achieve growth and progress.

Reverend Goodwin believed:

Work is the mission of man on earth.
There is one straight road to success, and that is merit.
Success lies in usefulness.

He often remarked, “Success lies not in achieving what you aim at, but in aiming at what you ought to achieve and pressing forward, sure of achievement.” Under his leadership, the church thrived, accomplishing many unexpected goals.

Since Reverend O.G. Goodwin assumed leadership of St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church in 1954, numerous accomplishments have been achieved:

Organized a young people’s choir known as the Goodwin Choraleers and reorganized the Children’s Choir into Junior, Carol, and Cherub Choirs.
Purchased two new pianos and installed a new Baldwin Electronic Organ.
Rebuilt the choir loft and purchased 200 new Methodist Hymnals.
Acquired candelabras for the communion table and installed a public address system.
Re-leaded and repaired all windows.
Received several gifts, including a new pulpit and pulpit chairs, an electric clock, a drinking fountain, and a handmade communion cloth.

Property Improvements:

Renovated and equipped the kitchen with a new range, steam table, electric refrigerator, utensils, dishes, and silverware.
Added a pantry, an officers’ room, a stage, and fitted windows with Venetian blinds.
Purchased 20 steel banquet tables and 200 steel chairs.
Installed movable partitions for Sunday Church School use.
Upgraded the furnace and added iron handrails along all stairways.

Other Property Enhancements:

Installed a new roof on the church.
Built an outdoor barbecue pit on the church grounds.
Constructed a two-car garage on the parsonage lot.

In 1963, under Reverend Goodwin’s leadership, a new parsonage was constructed on the site of the old one. This split-level, seven-room building included a basement and a two-car garage, representing a significant achievement for the church. Reverend Goodwin retired in 1967 due to ill health but continued to serve the congregation with his wife, Mrs. Anna P. Goodwin, until his passing.

Continued Development (1967–1983)

Reverend William J. Powell (1967–1974):
Reverend Powell became pastor in 1967, introducing several impactful initiatives:

Formed a Credit Union and initiated a Building Fund.
Led the church in sponsoring a 90-unit, $1.5 million housing project for middle- and low-income community members.

Reverend Powell retired in 1974, returning to his home in Montgomery, Alabama.

Reverend James A. Arnold (1974–1975):
Reverend Arnold began his tenure in 1974 and introduced the church’s first Vacation Bible School.

Established a Youth Choir under the leadership of Larry Daniels.

Reverend Arnold was a dedicated worker but sadly passed away suddenly in December 1975.

Interim Leadership (1975–1976):
For several months in 1975 and 1976, while the church was without a pastor, services continued under the devoted leadership of Mr. Clifford C. Johnson Sr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees, alongside the officers and members of the church.

Reverend Alexander L. Jones (1976–Present at the Time):
Reverend Alexander L. Jones assumed leadership in 1976 and revitalized several areas of the church:

Expanded the Youth Choir to over 40 members under the direction of Mrs. Eleanor Myrick, later renamed The Angelic Messengers.
Revitalized the Building Fund, with Clifford C. Johnson Sr. appointed as Fund Chairman.
Dedicated the parsonage built under Reverend Goodwin to his memory in a ceremony on September 19, 1976, presided over by Bishop William W. Smith.

In 1977, the membership of St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church decided to build a new church rather than renovate the old one, as the cost of renovations exceeded the expense of constructing a new building. A budget system was established, and the building site was purchased for $13,000, paid for through generous donations from many faithful members. A contract for the new church was signed, with a cost of $647,988.87.

After groundbreaking, construction began in 1981. Furniture and windows were purchased with contributions from members. Despite unforeseen setbacks, the church was completed in 1983 at a total cost exceeding $1 million. On March 20, 1983, the congregation marched from the old St. Stephen Church to the new building, where the first service was held under the leadership of Bishop Alfred G. Dunston Jr.

The church remains ever grateful to God for the dedication of its pastor, Reverend Alexander L. Jones, and Mr. Clifford C. Johnson Sr., who devoted their time and energy to the project. Thanks also go to the many members and friends of St. Stephen who helped make the vision a reality.

New Ministries and Innovations (1984–1998)

Reverend Alexander L. Jones, after overseeing the construction of the new church, was transferred to the New York Conference in the fall of 1984. The congregation remains deeply grateful for Reverend Jones’ dedication, as well as the efforts of Mr. Clifford C. Johnson Sr., the committees, members, and friends of St. Stephen, who all contributed to building the new church.

In the early fall of 1984, Bishop Dunston appointed Reverend W. Robert Johnson III from Massachusetts as pastor of St. Stephen. Reverend Johnson was warmly received by the congregation, and his well-crafted and spiritually uplifting sermons left a lasting impression. After the 1986 Annual Conference, Reverend Johnson was transferred to New Wesley in Camden, NJ.

Reverend Timothy Howard (1986–?):
In August 1986, Reverend Timothy Howard from South Carolina was appointed pastor of St. Stephen. His tenure brought several advancements:

Revitalization of the Class Leader System.
Purchase of a new organ.
Installation of a computer system for record-keeping.
Creation of Family and Friends Day and a new members class.
Celebration of five years in the new church building.

Reverend Sherwin O. Greene, Sr. (?):
Following Reverend Howard, Reverend Sherwin O. Greene Sr. was appointed. During his leadership, Wednesday night Bible Study attendance grew, and a new Young Adult Choir was organized, named the S.O. Greene Chorale.

A Season of Stability and Vision Under Reverend Derinzer Johnson (1995–2022)

Reverend Derinzer Johnson served as the pastor of St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church from 1995 to 2022, a tenure marked by stability, spiritual growth, and visionary leadership. His 27 years as pastor brought significant advancements in ministry, community engagement, and infrastructure.

Ministry Expansion and Innovation

In 1995, Reverend Johnson reintroduced the Young Adult Christian Ministry (YACM), which had been outlined in the church’s discipline but was inactive at St. Stephen. He also established a mission statement that continues to define the church’s goals and encouraged members to live by this mission in their daily lives.

During the 1997–1998 Conference Year, Reverend Johnson launched the Breakthrough Ministry, designed to support individuals dealing with addictions, including gambling, smoking, alcohol, drugs, and food. This ministry became a vital resource for those seeking healing and transformation.

Vision for Growth

Reverend Johnson’s leadership also focused on expanding the church’s assets and facilities to meet the needs of its growing congregation:

Acquisition of a Dry-Cleaning Business: This business served as a step toward expanding the church’s economic impact, with plans to transition it into a Full-Service Laundry Center.
Day Care Center Development: Plans were set in motion to open a church-owned day care center, which was projected to transition into a Christian school shortly after its establishment.
Facility Expansion Discussions: As membership and ministries grew, plans for expanding the church facilities became a focal point of his vision for the future.

Community Engagement

Reverend Johnson deepened St. Stephen’s presence in the local community through active participation in organizations such as:

Coastal Habitat for Humanity.
St. Stephen Urban Development Housing Corporation.
Asbury Park/Neptune Ministerial Alliance.

These partnerships underscored the church’s commitment to serving as a beacon of hope and support in Asbury Park and beyond.

A Legacy of Leadership

With his outstanding leadership and collaboration with trustees, stewards, class leaders, and congregants, Reverend Johnson ensured that St. Stephen remained “on the move.” Membership flourished with new individuals eager to work in God’s vineyard, ministries grew and developed, and the spirit of the Lord was ever-present in worship services. His long and faithful service laid a strong foundation for the continued growth and impact of St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church.

Dynamic Growth Under Reverend Quavon Newton (2022–Present)

Reverend Quavon Newton was appointed Pastor of St. Stephen A.M.E. Zion Church in June 2022 by Bishop Dennis V. Proctor, bringing with him a dynamic vision for growth, empowerment, and community impact. Under his leadership, the church has experienced unprecedented progress, making it one of the fastest-growing congregations in the A.M.E. Zion denomination.

Membership Growth and Virtual Engagement:
In Reverend Newton’s first two years, the church added over 200 new members, including a growing number of “off-campus members”—a term introduced to describe the church’s virtual members from various states. These additions were made possible through upgrades to the church’s technology, enhancing the hybrid church model and enabling broader reach and accessibility.

New and Revitalized Ministries:
Under Reverend Newton’s leadership, several new ministries were established, and others were revitalized to support the growing and diverse congregation:

Health and Wellness Ministry: Focusing on physical and mental health through resources and initiatives that promote well-being.
Evangelism Team: A group dedicated to reaching out to the community and fostering connections with the unchurched.
Experience Team: Designed to enhance the experience of first-time visitors, guests, and new members, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported.
Drama Ministry: Added to creatively engage members and the community through theatrical expressions of faith.
Dance Ministry: Revitalized and expanded significantly, becoming a cornerstone of worship and celebration.
Children’s and Mass Choirs: Brought back to enrich the church’s musical offerings.
Young Adult Praise and Worship Team: Created to lead worship in a way that resonates with younger members of the congregation.

Family and Children’s Ministry Revitalization:
With the active leadership of First Lady Ashley Newton, the church re-established its children’s ministry and introduced, for the first time, a Children’s Church model held during worship services. Initially offered biweekly, the program quickly grew in popularity, prompting a shift to weekly services after just six months. This initiative brought new families and children into the congregation, further strengthening the church’s foundation for future generations.

Annual Community Outreach Events:
St. Stephen’s commitment to community service has been solidified through annual events initiated under Reverend Newton’s leadership:

Thanksgiving Feeding: This annual event continues to serve hundreds in the community, providing meals and support during the holiday season.
Community Day: Reverend Newton envisioned Community Day on his very first Sunday as pastor, inspired by the large parking lot of the church and its potential to bring people together. The event was conceived as a back-to-school initiative aimed at addressing the needs of families in the community. The first Community Day brought the community together on the church grounds, offering vital resources such as food, clothing, health checks, family activities, free haircuts and hair braiding, performances by local artists, and the distribution of over 1,200 backpacks filled with school supplies.

Now an annual event, Community Day continues to grow. In its second year, the church served even more families, distributing over 1,600 backpacks and adding new services, including new sneakers and shoes for back-to-school. This expansion of services garnered citywide recognition, with the church receiving a proclamation from the mayor and city council for its dedicated service to the community.

Community Christmas Toy Giveaway: This event has become a cornerstone of the church’s outreach, adopting over 800 families each year and blessing more than 2,000 children with over 5,000 gifts, ensuring joy and hope during the holiday season.

Ongoing Mission and Vision:
Reverend Newton’s leadership has reinvigorated the church’s mission to Evangelize, Equip, Empower, and Engage the community with love and grace. Through preaching, teaching, and dynamic initiatives, St. Stephen continues to serve as a beacon of hope and service in Asbury Park and beyond.