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Minister of Music
 Steven’s
musical interest began when his mother would sing gospel pearls and hymns and he
would try to play the piano along with her. She observed his interest and
encouraged him, then made him take lessons for a short while, but soon realized
that wasn’t working because he could only play what he heard. He learned at a
more practical pace when playing for church services or practicing at home. By
age 12, Steven was pianist for the youth choir as well as playing for testimony
service at the First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ (San Francisco) under
the late Bishop M. S. Green. There, Steven played with Ernie Jackson, Louis
Dawson, Leroy and Bennie Henderson. In 1967, the Lord called Deacon Elmo Roberts
to organize the All Nations Pentecostal Church in Tracy, California. It was
under his father’s leadership, Steven confessed and received Christ as his
personal savior.
For the next 8 years Steven’s only connection with other musicians was at
statewide-conventions, by radio and buying every record/LP he could. His
progress was tedious yet consistent learning came by listening, observation and
asking questions at every opportunity. He was influenced greatly listening to
James Cleveland, Mattie-Moss-Clarke, Edwin Hawkins, Helen Stephens, Alfred
Bolden, Herbert Pickard, the Voices of Tabernacle and many local talents. As the
Lord blessed and Steven availed his gift, God opened doors and more
opportunities poured his way. In 1976 God gave him the gift of songwriting. His
songs have since been recorded by Walter Hawkins, Byron Cage, Rev. Daryl Coley,
James Cleveland, Vanessa Bell, Rev. Otis Floyd & New Jerusalem, Jeff Banks &
Revival Temple, Lucretia Campbell, Thomas Whitfield, Donald Vails, New Jersey
Mass, Aaron Lopez & NorCal Mass, GMWA Mass Choir, Men of Worship, GMWA NorCal
Choir, Elizabeth Ayala, Reginald Finley, the Lighthouse Singers, the Voices of
Christ and Dorothy Love-Thornton and Sacramento/Metro Choir to name a few. His
songs can be found in the Catholic Youth Hymnal used in the Vatican, Hymns of
Germany and soon to be published New National Baptist hymnal.
Being a noted Minister of Music is just a part of his life. He is also a husband
and father- very blessed with a family that fully supports his ministry. He
serves as Minister of Music for the Pilgrim Baptist Church of San Mateo CA (Dr
Larry W. Ellis, Sr. Pastor) and Minister of Music for the Northern California
GMWA Mass Choir (under Lady Helen Stephens). In 1987 Steven was placed in a
5-year apprentice program by GMWA which gave training and background into the
administrative area of the GMWA convention. In 1992, he was officially named to
the Supervisory Staff of the Int’l GMWA Mass Choir serving under Ms. Rodena
Preston (International Minister of Music) and Helen Stephens, co-chair. In 1996,
Steven was appointed as co-chair and general director James Cleveland Gospel
Chorus, one the most inspirational and fastest growing ministries in the
organization.
Steven's daily responsibilities at Mills-Peninsula Health, Pilgrim Baptist
Church, NorCal Mass and home life keeps his schedule totally full. He has
conducted approximately 20+ gospel music workshops annually since 1979 and
celebrated workshop #500 in 2001 in El Dorado Ark. He now conducts 10 annually
while maintaining his job as senior MST-buyer for Mills-Peninsula Health Center
in San Mateo CA., employed there for 32 years.
Steven "gives God all the the glory” for giving him favor with his employer
which has allowed him to travel the world and minister through music for more
than 25 years.
Steven shall never forget the hands that carefully guided, trained, shaped and
directed his life. He is thankful to God for his lovingkindness, great mercy and
exceeding grace through Jesus Christ. He is thankful and grateful to God for his
belated parents who gave biblical and spiritual guidance, direction, correction,
teaching, training and encouragement. Steven says: “I am the beneficiary of
their humble benevolence to God”.
Steven's Website |
