About Us
The Genesis of Saint Stephen AME Church of Miami Gardens, Florida
The humble beginnings of Saint Stephen AME Church of Miami Gardens, Florida dates back to the year of our Lord and Savior in 1957_ It took only a small group of concerned Christians ,a little wooded house located at 213th Street, faith, prayer, perseverance and a commitment to our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, to make this genesis a reality. During this time many ministers rendered worship services from various denominations. Within the confines of this little wooden house, amid unpaved roads were the reverend James Askiew (an AME minister), the Reverend J.A. Rudolph (a Baptist minister) and the Reverend Scippio (a Pentecostal minister). Each faith, together in that little wooden house, allowed its members the freedom to worship according to their individual beliefs. The membership of each faith began to grow rapidly, which dictated that this church, in the little wooden house, amid unpaved roads was in need of additional property and space. On February 28, in the year of our Lord, 1958, the parishioners called a meeting. The outcome of this meeting recognized the need for separate worship services for each denomination represented. All three denominations agreed to continue to work together, pray together and plan programs together to help each other grow and expand. On April 15, in the year of our Lord, 1958, another meeting was called to divide the funds that were raised during the previous years so that each denomination would be able to purchase property to build their own place of worship. Thus began the genesis of Saint Stephen AME Church of Carol City, Florida. Under the spiritual leadership and guidance of the Reverend James Askiew, two lots were purchased on the corner of two-hundred and fifteenth street and Thirty-Fourth Avenue. After a month of worshipping on the lots purchased, Bro. Donishua Williams and the other members of St. Stephen AME Church decided that they would purchase the property located on the other corner of Two hundred and Fifteenth Street and Thirty-Fourth Avenue. After negotiating with the owners of both properties, Saint Stephen’s parishioners traded their deed for the property of their choice. The Reverend James Askiew and the late Reverend Frank A. Allen poured the foundation of a 20×20 wooden frame. This frame was erected on the site where the present edifice now stands. Thus ends the genesis of Saint Stephen AME Church of Miami Gardens, Florida.
Meet Our Church Leaders
Our Mission Statement
St. Stephen A.M.E Church Mission Statement
Jesus said in Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” With the Great Commission as our impetus, we will preach and teach the Word of God in ways that will promote the spiritual growth of believers, we will utilize technology to enhance the worship experience for our members and visitors of our church, and we will go outside the four walls of the church to positively impact the lives of people within our local community as we spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and demonstrate godly love to people of all creeds. St. Stephen A.M.E. Church will go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit with faith to illuminate the hope of Christ to others for the glory of God!
