Bishop Amy B. Stevens (Served from 1983-2000)
In 1920, while still in Hurlock, Maryland, love for God’s word became a reality in young Amy Johnson’s life when she was converted at the Union Grove Methodist Church where she and her family worshipped. In 1932, the seed that was planted in Hurlock, Maryland, blossomed forth into full bloom when her conversion was renewed with the baptism of the Holy Ghost at Mount Olive Holy Church where Bishop Ida Robinson was the pastor. On October 3, 1932 Sister Amy Johnson, became Sister Amy Bell when she was joined in Holy Matrimony to Brother Fuller James Bell by Bishop Ida Robinson. This union lasted until his untimely demise in September 1940.
Sister Amy Bell answered the call to the Gospel ministry and preached her initial sermon at Mount Olive in 1935. She went on to "make full proof of her ministry." She took heed and fulfilled the ministry as she did the work of a missionary, an evangelist, a pastor, and eventually a Bishop.
Sister Amy Bell worked very closely with Bishop Robinson. She served as Bishop
Robinson's personal nurse until Bishop Robinson's death in 1946. Bishop Robinson recognized that this young woman of God was anointed to be an evangelist. Out of her commitment to be obedient and supportive to her leader, young Sister Amy Bell went out on an extensive evangelistic tour in 1940 that began in Blackstone, Virginia. In 1941, Sister Amy went back to her roots in Hurlock, Maryland, and founded a church there for Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Incorporated. Over the next several years, she ministered to communities from Boston, Massachusetts to Tallahassee, Florida.
In 1950, following the leading of the Lord, the Board of Directors appointed Sister Amy Bell as full time pastor of Mount Nebo Holy Church in Mount Holly, New Jersey. She was a dedicated pastor and enjoyed ministering to that congregation. In 1962, while serving as the Secretary to the Board of Directors, Elder Amy Bell was appointed as the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania – New Jersey Diocese of Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc.
In 1965, Elder Amy Bell was married to Minister Samuel Ray. She became a very loving stepmother to his children. After her marriage to Minister Ray, Elder Amy Ray was appointed pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Church in Wilmington, Delaware, where she remained pastor for twenty-five years. Brother Ray was very supportive of his wife's ministry and worked very closely with her until the Lord called him home.
Her successes in these and other ministries were some of the factors that brought her to be consecrated to the bishopric, in 1970, by Bishop Mary E. Jackson, who was then the Senior Bishop of the organization. Three years later, Bishop Amy Ray became Bishop Amy Stevens when she was joined in Holy Matrimony to Bishop Charles Stevens. After the passing of Bishop Annie B. Chamblin in 1977, Bishop Amy Stevens became the Vice President of Mount Sinai. She worked by the side of Bishop Jackson until Bishop Jackson's death in 1983. Bishop Stevens was appointed President of Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc., in February, 1984.
Over the years, Bishop Amy Stevens’ honors and awards have been numerous. Among those received was an Honorary Doctorate of Theology degree from the Official Board of Christian Bible Institute and Seminary, which was accredited with the International Accreditation Commission of Schools, Colleges, and Theological Seminaries.
After the death of Bishop Sylvester Webb in 1991, Bishop Stevens became the pastor of Mount Olive Holy Temple in Philadelphia. Through humbleness and meekness, God used this woman of God. She continued the soup kitchen ministry that was started by Bishop Webb. She reached out to those who were in need spiritually and naturally.
Under her administration as president of Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc., the church enjoyed tremendous growth in many areas. Ministries brought about through this servant include the Mount Sinai Training Institute and the expansion of ministry on the Mount Sinai Farm. New churches were added to Mount Sinai Holy Church of America, Inc., including Stevens Memorial Holy Church in Johnstown, PA, a facility named after Bishop Charles Stevens who passed away in 1989. Bishop Stevens' support for the work of the Lord was not limited to churches in the United States only. She traveled and ministered to Mount Sinai’s churches in Guyana and Cuba. Bishop Stevens served as a faithful supporter of all of Mount Sinai's missionary endeavors including the various missions in India, Cuba, and Guyana. She was an outstanding missionary and a true evangelist.
Bishop Amy B. Stevens, a chosen vessel of God received complete victory in Jesus as she slept away peacefully to rest safely in the arms of her maker on Thursday, September 14, 2000.
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