Saint Stephen AME celebrates 150 tears

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Saint Stephen AME Church celebrated 150 years with a special service in conjunction with Grace United Methodist Church.

Over 150 years ago, Saint Stephen AME was created by members of Front Street Methodist, which is now Grace United Methodist. Since then, the two congregations have not worshiped together — until today, that is.

Grace United’s Reverend Tal Madison gave the sermon for the special event and said the service was long overdue.

“We felt like it was time to come together, and the things that divide us don’t have to,” said Madison.

Saint Stephen’s Pastor Wayne Johnson said this is just the beginning for the things the two churches will accomplish.

“We’re blocks apart but yet we’re still members of the Methodist family,” said Johnson.