Founded on hope St. Stephen’s Cathedral Church of God in Christ stands as a beacon. It offers forgiveness and healing. This church has a powerful story. It began in a humble pizza parlor basement.
In September 1962 Bishop George Dallas McKinney and his wife Sister Jean Carleen Brown McKinney organized St. Stephen’s. Racial tension was high then. The community faced much social upheaval. The McKinneys believed God planted St. Stephen’s to bring hope.
With a $75 loan St. Stephen’s rented space in a pizza parlor basement. Six families formed the core. They included the McKinneys and Hackleys. The McAfees, Meeks, and Williams families also joined. Sister Jean McKinney’s sister Arnell Brown was also a member. Other families joined during the first year. They were the Woods, Moores, Reynolds, and Ellis families.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s membership grew. It established outreach ministries. These served the people of God. They included a feeding program for the homeless. A food share program and a counseling center were created. There was also hospital and home visitation. Ministries extended to juvenile hall and halfway houses. The Big Yellow House aided those suffering from the AIDS crisis. Retirement housing centers for seniors were also built. St. Stephen’s Cathedral trained hundreds of ministers and missionaries. Over 50 churches worldwide were established. Many still flourish today.
In 1978 St. Stephen’s Church launched a Christian school. It started with Kindergarten through 6th grade. It later expanded to the 12th grade. In September 1984 a two-story educational building was completed. This effort gave hundreds of youths in Southeastern San Diego a quality Christian education. Soon after the school’s completion tragedy struck. An arsonist burned the sanctuary.
After a year of worshiping in the pizza parlor basement a church in Pacific Beach donated a small wooden building to St. Stephen’s. Within six months St. Stephen’s raised enough money to move the facility. They renovated it. In 1970 the new church facility was dedicated to God. St. Stephen’s went from renting a basement to owning the complex.
Bishop and Sister McKinney were concerned about the lack of educational programs. They wanted to meet the needs of minority and disadvantaged children. Their passion led them to found St. Stephen’s Nursery School in 1963.
For eighteen months the congregation worshiped in a large tent. This stood where the McKinney Retirement Centers now sit. The tent experience gave the congregation humility. It created oneness. It inspired them to rebuild the church. The church reopened in 1986. During this time Bishop George D. McKinney was elevated to Bishop.
After forty-two years of service Co-Pastor Dr. Jean Carleen Brown McKinney passed away. Executive Pastor George A. McKinney and his wife Evangelist Wendy helped the ministry. In August 2008 Bishop McKinney married Attorney Barbara J. Warren.
On March 20th 2021 Bishop George D. McKinney passed. Elder Glenn Arthur McKinney Sr. was appointed as the successor. He continues the legacy. He ministers the message of hope and forgiveness. Reconciliation and healing are also his focus.
In September the 62nd Founder Month was celebrated. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for a ramp. This allowed access for the elderly and disabled worshipers. The ramp is named after founding members Lymerthy and Ricardo Hackley.
Today St. Stephen’s Cathedral Church of God in Christ is a thriving church. It stands strong on its foundational scripture. It ministers to the whole person.