Divine Order of Service
Thursday, May 25, 2017 – 11:00 AM Congregational Church of God 1889 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10032 Reverend J-Anthony Dargan, Senior Pastor
Musical Prelude............................................................................................................................................. Call to Worship & Prayer of Invocation................................................... Reverend J-Anthony Dargan Opening Hymn........................................................................................................... “Blessed Assurance” Scripture Reading
Old Testament, Psalm 27................................................................Sister Anna Louise Stephens
New Testament, I Thessalonians 4:13-18.......................................Reverend Dr. James Dargan
Prayer of Comfort................................................................................................Minister Leroy Scott, Jr. Song of Praise.............................................................................................................“O How I Love Jesus’ Tributes & Reflections........................................................................................Two minute limit, please Family Tributes.............................................................................................Sister Anna Louise Stephens Acknowledgements, Resolutions & The Reading of The Life Reflection............................................... Lady Madelin L. Dargan, Church Secretary Special Request of Mother Gladys Stephen....................................“Zion’s Hill” - Brother Elex Daniel Eulogy..............................................................................................Reverend J-Anthony Dargan Benediction.................................................................................................................................................... Repast Friends and Guests are invited to a repast immediately following in the upstairs dining room.
The Life Reflection of Mother Gladys Stephens “A Faithful Woman of God” “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
Mother Gladys Stephens was born Tuesday, September 15, 1908 in Barnsville County, South Carolina. She was the youngest daughter of Mary and July Smalls. When she was 14 years old, her parents moved to St. Augustine, Florida where she attended the Church of God. The Lord designed Gladys from her mother’s womb not only with a deep sense to serve Him but also with a tenderness in her heart for people, particularly those who were less fortunate than her. While a young girl in Florida, she would always be off to herself, thinking of ways to which she could help others, rather than out playing with the children of her own age. One day she received a catalogue in the mail from the Lead Manufacturing Company, advertising for an agent to sell their products. While attending the Excelsior High School, Gladys worked as an agent for the company and with the money she earned, she gladly shared it with the less fortunate in her community. What may seemed strange and bizarre behavior to some, Gladys understood and respond to the Call of The Lord in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” At the age of 20, Miss Gladys Smalls married Mr. Henry Stephens and from this union one son, Charles Edward Stephens was born.
The Life Reflection of Mother Gladys Stephens “A Faithful Woman of God” In 1944, Mother Stephens migrated to New York City and at that time she transferred her membership from the Church of God in Florida to the Congregational Church of God in New York, during the pastoral-ship of Reverend William Aaron and later under Reverend Levorn Aaron (1979-2000) and Reverend J-Anthony Dargan (2005-present). The Lord not only blessed Mother Stephens with a long life, 108 years but He honored the fruit of her hands as she labored for Him. Mother Stephens’ life ministry is extensive and still yielding fruits today. Mother Stephens was a faithful Sunday School teacher for many years; the first president of the Missionary Circle; the last surviving member of the legendary “Four Sisters”; Leader of the Prayer Band Ministry (“Take the Church to the Sick & Lost”), which blessed and won many souls for Christ; and the Honorary Chairperson of the Deacons and Deaconess Board at Congregational Church of God after serving for many years as the Chairperson. One of the many lasting legacies that is still readily seen and felt today is the beautiful mural of Jesus’ Ascension, displayed in our sanctuary. The artwork was commissioned by Mother Stephens along with the late, Mother Mattie English; the late, Sister Cora Hudson; and the late, Mother Shirley Mayhams, who formed “The Four Sisters”. The Four Sisters ministry, like Mother Stephens, extended well beyond the walls of the Church and the community. As far back as the 1950’s and 1960’s, The Four Sisters organized successful one-day bus outings and months long trips on a continuous basis across the country, around the world and to the Holy Land.
The Life Reflection of Mother Gladys Stephens “A Faithful Woman of God” Mother Stephens firmly believed in the philosophy of preparing yourself for life and for ministry. Upon coming to New York City, Gladys furthered her education by attending IBM Combination Business School. Mrs. Stephens’ ambition to help and serve humanity became a reality as The Lord opened doors for her to serve on many levels. In 1967, Gladys received Medical Aid Certification for the home and hospital care of new born; young children; and the rehabilitated. Later on, Gladys attended the Manhattan School for Nurses and graduated in 1972. For many years until she was physically unable, Mother Stephens served as a baby technician and as a geriatrist. As of result being born during the presidency of the 26th President Theodore Roosevelt and living under during the presidency of twenty presidents, Gladys was well aware of the plight of the community and injustice. She did what she could, with what she had, and where she was for all people. In every decision and moment, Mother Stephens endeavored to stay on the right path (Matthew 7:14). In reflection of her commitment and resiliency, Mother Stephens has received a letter from President and First Lady Obama in 2014 and a New York State Legislative Resolution from The New York State Senate (2015) honoring her work and legacy. On Friday evening, May 19, 2017, Mother Gladys Stephens answered the Call of the Lord, Our God and looked towards the city, which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).
The Life Reflection of Mother Gladys Stephens “A Faithful Woman of God” Gladys leaves to cherish her memory: two grandchildren, Louise Stephens (Gene) and Lindsay Stephens; two great-grandchildren, Dorian Stephens and Niara Stephens; three nieces, Almary Battle, Carolina Wilson (Dewey), and Queen Battle (Charlie); three nephews, Abraham McCloud (Margaret), John McCloud (Patricia), and Reverend John McCloud (Leatha), all of Lakeland, Florida; many great-nieces and great-nephews, who also live in Lakeland, Florida and many devoted friends and the Congregational Church of God family, who were just like family members to Gladys. Gladys was pre-deceased by her only child, Charles Edward Stephens and his wife, Jean. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:13-17 (KJV) — Respectfully written by her pastor, Reverend J-Anthony Dargan
A Special Request From Mother Gladys Stephens
This particular song was one of Mother Stephen’s favorite requests of Brother Elex Daniel and she requested that it would be sung at her celebration.