The year was 1969 after attending two national sessions of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Helen J. H. Stephens was impressed with the convention, the vision, direction and dream the founder and President Rev. James Cleveland had expressed in the sessions. He hoped for a time when all people with a sincere love for gospel music might congregate to a place where ideas would be exchanged and the talents of aspiring new writers could be exposed to an appreciative audience, perpetuating, promoting and advancing Christian ideals through music.

Being the visionary that she is, Helen Stephens embraced the dream and vision of Rev. Cleveland. In 1971, she combined various Bay Area choirs, groups and soloists under one organization and the Northern California Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America was organized. Starting with a membership of 200, the support of Ms. Francelle Harden, (a long time friend and vocalist with the Stephens Singers) and with much prayer, perseverance, sacrifice and hard work, the chapter began to grow. Justin S. Cummins joined GMWA in 1970 and was commissioned by Rev. Cleveland to assist in the organization of the San Francisco Chapter of GMWA. Dr. Cummins soon teamed up with Mrs. Stephens in 1971 and became the Assistant Chapter Representative of Northern Cal, a position he held until his death in 1990. At the present time, Northern Cal has two Assistant Chapter Representatives, they are Aaron Woodson, and Dorla D. Cummins.

As the chapter grew, more departments were added. An interest in Rev. Cleveland’s traditional gospel music became evident and the James Cleveland Chorus was formed. For our young people, the Helen J. H. Stephens Young Adult choir and the Angelic Voices were formed and are still actively training young voices. Other departments in the chapter are Men’s Department, Women Council, Usher Board, Nurses Guild, Gospel Announcers Guild, and the Evangelistic Ministry.

Another part of the Northern California Chapter are Satellite Component Chapters. These chapters and their Assistant Chapter Representatives are:
Central Valley – Fresno - Sylvia Norman
South Bay – San Jose -  (currently inactive)
Pittsburg -  (currently inactive)

In 1996, the Sacramento Component Chapter became the Sacramento Metropolitan Chapter in the direction of Dorothy Love Thornton, Chapter Representative.

Northern Cal has been blessed to share on several recording projects:

• Helen Stephens and the Northern California Chapter GMWA, “Oh, My Jesus What a Friend”, with special guest Rev. Donald Vails.

• Northern and Southern California Chapters, “Breathe on Me”.

• Northern California Chapter with Dorothy Norwood, Live Recording.

• Background vocals for National GMWA 25th Anniversary recording.

• Northern Cal Chapter, “Wait on the Lord”, produced by Steven E. Roberts.

• Northern California Chapter, “Created for Worship”, live recording November 1998.

• Background vocals for National GMWA Recording, “Live in Kansas City”.
   

Former Ministers of Music have been Charlene Moore, Rev. Elijah Green and Rev. John McBride. Faithfully serving since 1981, the Minister of Music has been Steven E. Roberts, the Assistant Minister of Music is Tim Poston, Sr.

God has richly blessed Northern California Chapter. In February 2006, with Hurricane Katrina on our hearts, in partnership with St. John Baptist Church, Oakland, California, the chapter sponsored a benefit workshop and concert for Hurricane Katrina relief, all proceeds went to the survivors of the hurricane now living in the bay area. It is the chapter’s prayer that the music rendered will bring lost souls to Christ and be an encouragement and blessing to the hearts of Christians as we exhort them to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”