About Us

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Saint Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Garland, NC was founded in 1885. A small group of community minded and Godfearing men met frequently and held prayer services in their homes. It has been said that some of the early worship services were held under a ‘bush shelter', a structure made of a wooden frame and covered with tree limbs.  

Among the early pioneers of St. Stephen were H.W. farrier, Thomas Cromartie, Junious Stephens, Owens Smith, Jr. Kedar Robinson, Caesar Treadwell and Anthony Cromartie. These men bargained for a piece of land from Julia and Gabe Kerr in 1890 and on January 29, 1891 the land was purchased, which this church now occupies. The land was deeded to these men for the sum of $2.00. The timber to build the original church was donated by Junious Stephens, grandfather of the Hill and Stevens’ families who continue to be loyal and dedicated members today.  

St. Stephen became the first ‘Black Church’ in the Garland community.  Its first pastor was the Rev. O.L. Smith.

In 1910, under the leadership of Rev. E.L.Turner, a larger and more comfortable church was built. The church served as a place for worship,  a meeting place for the disadvantaged, and a place of fellowship. It was also used as a school for Blacks and offered many an opportunity to begin their formal education.

The church as it currently exists, had its beginnings around 1961 under the leadership of Rev. Aaron Moore. During this time, a few members formed the ‘100 Club’ and pledged to pay $100 within a six month period toward framing the current structure. In addition, Mr. and Mrs. Isaiah Gibbs donated the first 100 cinder blocks. Following the lead of those few members, enough was raised for the framing of the church.  The 100 Club was later called the ‘Building Fund Club’.

Over the years, St. Stephen has had over 48 pastors, including our Presiding Elder, Rev. Dr. A.D. Brown and our current pastor, Rev. John Mark Melvin. In addition, the church has been blessed to have six ministers to come from within the congregation. They are Rev. Dr. A.D. Brown (Presiding Elder), Rev. Bobby Simmons, Rev. Larry Bryant, Rev. Ida Stephens, Rev. Georgia Melvin, and Rev. Darius Ballard. Rev. Ballard is the youngest to come out of St. Stephen.

St. Stephen continues to be a pillar of support in the Garland Community.