“Eighty-two years” sounds like a long time. That is how long ago Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church was established in Uptown New Orleans. Sixty-nine people founded it. One of them was Debra B. Morton’s paternal grandmother.
Let’s delve into the story of Saint Stephens Baptist Church. Its roots run deep within this community. The church first moved in 1938 to Ladies Providence Hall. It was at Philip and South Liberty Streets. Then again in 1939, it moved to a two-story building. This was at their present New Orleans Uptown location on 2308 South Liberty Street.
In 1969, the church started a major renovation. They planned a 12-year expansion. This became the Greater St. Stephen Plaza. It included an educational center, a nursery, rent-free senior citizens home, and a youth recreational center.
By the late 1980s, the church flourished. It had a 4000-seat sanctuary in New Orleans East. Also a 1500-seat sanctuary on the Westbank.
Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans hard. The Mortons evacuated to Atlanta. They found safety there. Other congregants who had evacuated from New Orleans joined them.
Katrina damaged all three Saint Stephen locations. The Mortons repaired the two smaller facilities. These were on the Westbank and in Uptown.
After the waters receded, the Mortons and parishioners rebuilt. They helped people needing food and clothing. The Westbank and Uptown locations were soon restored. But in 2008, the Uptown location was destroyed again. This time it was by an electrical fire.
“We were homeless once again,” Morton said. Temple Sinai New Orleans and McDonogh #35 Senior High School helped. They opened their buildings for the parishioners. “We are eternally grateful”.
With help, the Mortons rebuilt their main campus. It is in East New Orleans. Despite these misfortunes, they moved forward.
Their mission is to win souls to Jesus Christ. They grow them holistically in mind, body, and spirit. Secondly, they go beyond the walls. They make a positive impact on the city, state, and world.
Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church offers community outreach programs. They focus on social issues. These include addictive behaviors. They help formerly incarcerated individuals. They also host after-school tutorials. A summer camp is available for youth.
Morton revealed future plans. They will rebuild the Uptown location as a Family Life Center. They hope to create a parent and child center in New Orleans East.
Greater St. Stephens offers Sunday services. These are at its New Orleans East location. Diverse ministries and programs support the community throughout the week. The parishioners contribute to the local economy. They frequent supermarkets, restaurants, and pharmacies. They use banks and medical institutions. Many parishioners own businesses in the area.
Debra B. Morton leads alongside her husband. Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr. is also a senior pastor. She is a co-pastor of Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church in Atlanta. Both are internationally renowned ministries.
Morton followed in her husband’s footsteps. Bishop Paul S. Morton was the pastor before her. Under his leadership, the ministry expanded. It reached New Orleans East and the Westbank. It became known as “One Church in Three Locations.”
In 1993, Morton was ordained. She became one of the first ordained female elders. She preached in a Baptist pulpit. She gained popularity with her television and radio talk shows. “Morning Coffee” discussed the role of spirituality in everyday life.
Greater St. Stephens looks forward to its relationship with the East New Orleans community. As you leave Saint Stephens Baptist Church, consider the enduring spirit. It is a testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope in the heart of New Orleans.