2008
• Pastor Anthony L. Dockery installation service held.
• The John Schiveley Sunday School Teacher of the year was awarded to Deacon Collins.
• Remodeling in the main building included bathrooms, the business office, new tile in the entry way, and new furniture for the foyer.
• Inspirational displays in main building foyer and glass podium in the pulpit.
• New banners in the sanctuary display our mission statement – “To Be God’s Servants, To Be in God’s Service, and to Serve God’s People”.
2007
• Anointed Hands of Praise Ministry was organized.
• Coffee Shop Named “Lady Velma’s Coffee Corner”.
• After School Care was provided in the Pre-school Academy
• Family Life Center renamed “Dr. E. W. McCall Family Life Center & Gymnasium.
• Kitchen remodeled
• Pastor E. W. McCall announced his retirement
• Reverend Anthony L. Dockery was elected Pastor of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church
2006
• Preparing to tee off, the Youth Golf Fellowship played in their first tournament – Hole in one!!!
• Long Distance Travelers Rest & Relaxation (LDTR&R) room established for members who travel more than 25 miles to service.
• Want a cup of Java? Stop by the new Coffee Shop located on the first floor in the old computer lab.
• The youth Drama Ministry was launched – lights, camera…action!
• Praising the Lord with graceful moves, The Praise Dance Team was established.
2005
• St. Stephen organized a Committee to help the Katrina Hurricane Victims
• With their powerful performance that left you worshiping and praising the Lord, St. Stephen’s Youth Choir won the McDonald Gospel Fest.
• On January 16th, the Extended Adult Care(EAC) Ministry was established to provide special care and attention to our senior members.
2004
• The Faith Ministry was organized and set in motion for the cause of Christ.
• The John Schiveley Sunday School Teacher of the year was awarded to Sister Sarah Adams.
• The El Camino Christian Church was established to serve our Hispanic community
2003
• The Young Adult Usher Ministry (18 Years and Older) was established.
• On June 8th, our Junior Choir performed in their very 1st concert.
• The Youth Basketball League for children ages 5-12 was launched.
• The St. Stephen Baptist Church Logo (SSBC) was unveiled in the Family Life Center.
2002
• The Mentoring Program was established, providing guidance to our youth.
• California Southern Baptist State Convention Awards were held: Evangelism Division (Largest Number of Baptisms); Sunday School for Excellence (Leadership Development Division); Discipleship Training for Excellence (Leadership Development Division) preparing the way for future leaders.
• Dr. E. W. McCall, Sr. was elected 2nd Vice-President of the National Southern Baptist Convention.
2001
• Embracing the exciting world of technology our Website was launched at st-stephen-mbc.org
• Infant care established in the Pre-school Academy.
• S.T.A.R.S (St. Stephen Academically Refined Saints) program was started, offering Bible Study classes for spiritual enrichment.
2000
• Helping to promote education, a newly remodeled library with updated materials was designed.
• New computer lab and computer training classes also contributed to the growth of higher education.
• Purchased vehicle fleet of 4 Vans – holds 9-13 passengers.
• Two large display screens were placed in the Sanctuary to give members more than a bird’s eye view of important information regarding St. Stephen.
1990’s
• Dr. E. W. McCall, Sr. elected First Vice President of the CA Southern Baptist Convention.
• The first band ensemble was organized.
• The Golden Circle Ministry (ages 55 plus) was organized.
• The 4-H Ministry (Hearts and Hands Helping the Homeless) was formed.
• Between 1991-1993, St. Stephen College Fair and Scholarship Program was established.
o Commendation was received for the highest average attendance in Sunday School for Black Southern Baptist Church and ranked #2 for the highest number of leadership training certificates awarded;
o the Free-At-Last drug and alcohol program and a Sunday School Class for Special Education began;
o renovation of the existing sanctuary, including a new lighting and sound system was installed.
• 1994-1995, the ladies lounge was enlarged and two additional lots were purchased.
• Commendations received for highest average Sunday School attendance for Southern Baptist churches in the Black community.
• De. E. W. McCall, Sr. was elected President of the African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention.
• In May of 1996, a 47-seat bus was purchased.
• In 1997, the Drama Ministry was organized
• Between 1997-1999, the ground breaking ceremony, completion and dedication of the 21,300 square ft. Family Life Center took place.
• Rev. Anthony Dockery was elected Minister of Education/Youth in 1999.
1980’s
• In 1981, the Scholarship foundation was established and Academic Advisors & Counseling were introduced.
• Between 1982 and 1983, additional property was purchased for a parking lot, new classrooms, and Main Sanctuary expansion.
• 1983-1989, revival in the community was established via evangelism, witnessing, and Bible study.
• On November 11, 1984, the first weekly gospel radio broadcast on Station KTST 1220 A.M. blessed the airways.
• Reaching across the nation, foreign mission participation occurred sending members to Ethiopia, Belize, and Jamaica.
• First bus (the “beige Limo”) was donated to the church; two classroom trailers were purchased.
• The Singles Ministry was organized.
• Hand Bell Choir Ministry was established.
• Between 1985-1989, the Music Department recorded its first highly acclaimed album; The Sunday School Dept. ranked in the top 10 of Black Sunday Schools in the Southern Baptist Convention; St. Stephen rated in the top 10% of the highest number of Baptisms; the Expansion of Church facilities by 28,000 square feet including additional classroom space was set in motion.
1970’s
• In April 1970, Rev. E. W. McCall, Sr. was elected Pastor of St. Stephen MBC
• Between 1970-1971, St. Stephen purchased its current property at 1720 No. Walnut St., La Puente, CA
• In 1972, renovations of church facilities were completed.
• During May of 1975, an adjoining parcel of land was purchased: the enlargement of the church sanctuary, with the existing building serving as an education annex, took place.
• 1978-1979, the construction of a spacious, modern sanctuary occurred.
• On June 24, 1979, first services were held in the modern sanctuary.
• Church membership grew to 1900.
1960’s
• On January 25, 1964, the organization of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Churchby Rev. Arthur Lyle III, Pastor.
• First worship service held in a residence at 14735 Amar Road, La Puente, CA.
• The first baptism took place in June 1966.
• In 1968/9, Rev. Waymon Walden, appointed pastor who served until 1970.
