Dr. Neal leads the procession of clergy into the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary was filled with over 330 worshippers!

Many thanks to Mr. Bob Smith for many of these photos ... like this one!

Dr. Dwight Judy, former pastor of St. Stephen UMC and currently professor at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, leads the congregation in the Afirmation of Faith

The Choir provided fabulous music for the worship service!

Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe brought the morning message.

Dr. Neal presents the new St. Stephen Tapestry

Dr. Neal presents the Mortgage Note, announcing that it has been paid in full

Current Pastor, Dr. Greg Neal, and former Pastor Dr. Marvin Guier, burn two halves of the mortgage note, lighting it from the Christ Candle.

Dr. Guier was the Pastor who put the church on a sound financial footing, which eventually lead to the day when, during Dr. Neal's pastorate, the mortgage note was finally paid in full.

Dr. Guier's half just didn't want to light! But, they finally got it burning!

Dr. Neal and Dr. Guier drop the burning halves of the mortgage note into the caldron, while Bishop Bledsoe looks on.

Bishop Bledsoe, assisted by Dr. Neal and the former pastors of the church, lead in the liturgy of Blessing and Dedication for St. Stephen UMC's buildings.

Members of the Youth Choirs of of St. Stephen UMC (Elation and Celebration Singers) from across 40+ years of the church's history, join together to sing the offertory: "All Good Gifts" from Godspell.

One of the greatest strengths of St. Stephen UMC is it's intergenerational and multi-ethnic character. The reality can be seen in the youth choirs from across the decades.

Dr. Neal provides direction to the congregation prior to the celebration of the Eucharist. Bishop Bledsoe and founding pastor Dr. McElvaney concelebrated the Sacrament together.

The clergy present and participating in the service (from left to right):
Bishop Earl Bledsoe, Dr. Greg Neal, Dr. Leo Tipay, Dr. Dwight Judy, Dr. Bill McElvaney, Dr. Marvin Guier, Rev. David Carr.