Reverend James Walter Stevenson

     Pastor James Walter Stevenson was born on July 29, 1934 to William & Ozella Stevenson in West, Mississippi. As a young man, Pastor Stevenson became a member of the King Solomon Mason Lodge. However, he later became inactive to solely focus on pastoring and the work of ministry. Like Apostle Paul, he realized that his true calling was preaching God’s Word and nothing and no one could stop him from his calling. At the age of 17, Pastor Stevenson married Rosetta Nash. To this union they were blessed with 10 children.

     In 1953, Pastor Stevenson moved to East Chicago, Indiana where he worked at US Gibson. He was later hired at Inland Steel where he was an exemplary employee for 35 years until he retired in 1998.

     Pastor Stevenson was a member of New Shiloh M.B. Church, Gary, Indiana where he accepted his calling to preach God’s Word. After being licensed and ordained Pastor Stevenson served as an Associate Minister of New Shiloh M.B. Church. He led the Youth Fellowship meetings, every Saturday, where he taught, trained, and mentored young people from ages 5 to 18. He was instrumental in mentoring and training young boys to be Jr. Deacons, many who were called to the ministry. He continued this work throughout his life.

     After serving many years at New Shiloh, he was appointed Pastor of New Macedonia M.B. Church in Gary, Indiana.  He served at New Macedonia M. B. Church for 3 years, until the Holy Spirit lead him to organize Greater Faith M.B. Church. He served as pastor for 15 years. While serving as the under shepherd, Pastor Stevenson was moderator of the Indiana Brotherhood District Association, member of the Ministerial Alliance, and the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., where he taught annual seminars for ministers and missionaries. Pastor Stevenson also worked with the Gary police Department (P.A.L) afterschool programs for youth. He received an award for his dedication and leadership to the program.

     In 2004, Pastor Stevenson moved to Hayti, Missouri where he married Dianne Pryor on July 29, 2005.

     In 2007, Pastor Stevenson, became pastor of St. John M.B. Church, He faithfully served as pastor until the Lord called him home. In addition to his pastoral accomplishments, Pastor Stevenson loved fishing, hunting, gardening, maintaining his lawn and family trips. Even while hospitalized, Pastor Stevenson continued to give instructions on how to produce a fruitful garden and lawn tips.

     Pastor James Walter Stevenson made his heavenly transition on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at the age of 83. Even from his sick bed, he preached and still touched the lives of anyone he met.

     Pastor Stevenson is preceded in death by his Parents: William and Ozella Stevenson; Brother: John Henry Stevenson, and Roy E. Stevenson; Sisters, Rose Lee Green, Amanda Stevenson, and Claudia Harris; Son: James Lawrence Stevenson; Daughter: Cynthia Stevenson, and Grandson: Brandon Stevenson. He leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved wife Dianne, Sons: Ronald Stevenson, Craig Stevenson, Walter Scott Stevenson, and Step-son Ronnie Pryor Jr.; Daughters: Barbara Swift, Patricia Mack, Carol Perry, Joyce Stevenson, and Brenda Jo Stevenson-Boley, and Step-daughters Jabrita Shelton, and Erica Roberts; Brothers: Pastor Marshall Stevenson, William (Verlane) Stevenson, and Henry Stevenson. Sisters: Bernice Pittman, Dorothy Pittman, Irene (Monk) Viviane, and Minnie Pearle Stevenson; Grandchildren: Lisa, James III, Kenya, Joseph, Angela, Roderick, Dustin, Zachary, Belinda, Samuel, Solomon, Chenear, Craig Jr., Robert, and Rayna; Step-grandchildren: Neveah, Patience, and Aaron Jr.; 19 Great Grandchildren, a very dear friend, Pastor Charles Thompson, who he prayed with every Sunday morning for over 25 years, as well a host of other relatives, friends, and church members.