By Marnita Coleman
Special to the AFRO
On Oct. 5, New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore celebrated a monumental 122nd anniversary. But this year, it was more than just a traditional service. The church also honored the retirement of the Rev. Jerome Stephens, director of community outreach for U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., and a devoted member of New Shiloh for 47 years.
Stephens’ public service has left a lasting impact across the state. His official retirement date is Nov. 30.
Amidst the celebration, the spotlight shone brightly on Stephens’ wife, Paula, whose grace and strength have been a cornerstone of his journey. Seated beside her were their two daughters, Candice Stephens, community liaison for Baltimore County Public Schools and Brittany Stephens, member recruitment lead for Maryland Corps Service Year Option. The look of pride and adoration in their eyes was a beautiful reminder of the family’s enduring bond and shared legacy of service.
Reflecting on his tenure with Sen. Cardin, Stephens said unlike many in power who impose restrictions on their employees, their relationship was “unique.”
“He allowed me to be Jerome on the job. He recognized my strength and connection to the community,” Stephens said.
The director of community outreach position was created to clarify Stephens’ role and demonstrate Cardin’s commitment to the community. Stephens was empowered within the organization and was Cardin’s “connector and bridge.”
Valuable resources were brought into the Black community through Stephens’ influence, supporting initiatives like the New Shiloh Village, New Psalmist Baptist Church STEM program, AFRO Charities, and Harbor Bank’s tax credit projects for community development.
“My presence on Senator Cardin’s staff was enough to impact a lot of things,” Rev. Stephens said. “I was ingrained into the community more than the average staffer for any congressional member because of my tenure in the faith community and community at large.”
Stephens also emphasized the importance of having staff who reflect the community, as they better understand its needs and desires.
The Rev. Dr. Harold A. Carter Jr., pastor of New Shiloh, noted that Stephens’ political background positioned him to lead the church’s community development corporation as chairman of the board. Though he later “graciously stepped down” to avoid conflicts of interest, Rev. Stephens raised “the political consciousness of the board” and helped secure a multimillion-dollar grant, Carter said. His guidance was key in the construction of two apartment buildings—The New Shiloh Senior Living and Family Buildings, totaling 212 units—with a third for grandparents raising grandchildren set to break ground in 2025.
Dr. Carter said that Stephens consistently embraced New Shiloh’s vision for community development, focusing not just on buildings but on “building relationships” with the Northwest community and beyond. His strategic, “behind-the-scenes” efforts have been key to getting things done, often without seeking any credit for himself.
The retirement celebration reached a pinnacle as two of Maryland’s most prominent leaders, Cardin and Gov. Wes Moore, shared heartfelt sentiments honoring Rev. Stephens.
“Jerome has been an incredible source of strength for our office and has represented the community extremely well,” Cardin said.
The longterm lawmaker said Stephens had been a “bridge” between the faith community and the federal government. Stephens used this opportunity to “bring needed resources to strengthen the Black community,” he said.
Partnerships for Public School 103, the historic elementary school in Baltimore attended by former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; Arena Players, and the former Congressman Parren J. Mitchell’s home, are just some of the many examples where Stephens was the bridge to help.
“He provided a way we could listen to the faith community and also get information out to the faith community,” concluded Cardin.
Gov. Moore, too, had a personal connection with Stephens.
“This is my man, Jerome!” Moore declared.
“I want it to be clear: Without Jerome Stephens, there is no Governor Wes Moore. From the beginning of this process, we started with prayer,” Moore continued. “This is someone who understands the importance of the faith community—not just in decisions made, but in their impact.”
He continued, “I love this man for how he loves his wife and honors the Word. Jerome Stephens hasn’t just made me a better friend; he’s made me a better public servant, father, governor, and most importantly, a better husband. I love you, and I thank God for you and all you’ve meant to me over the past three years.”
These powerful words resonated throughout the packed sanctuary, where a sea of distinguished guests listened intently. Among them were Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Coppin State University President Anthony Jenkins, Baltimore postmaster LeGretta Y. Goodman, Baltimore Councilman Julian E. Jones Jr. and countless others from across Maryland.
In a powerful moment, Dr. Carter stepped away from his seat, inviting Rev. Stephens to take his place as the messenger of the day, marking this milestone event with profound respect and love.
Affectionately called the “Country Preacher,” Rev. Stephens captivated the crowd with a lively sermon titled “Oh to Be Kept,” serving as a genuine testament to his enduring faith and steadfast commitment over the years.
He shared personal stories of his journey from Plain Dealing, Louisiana, to his upcoming retirement, marking a heartfelt close to his journey.
Nearly two decades ago, with some hesitation, Stephens embraced this opportunity, guided by the words of the late Rev. Dr. John L. Wright, pastor of First Baptist Church of Guilford in Columbia, Md., who said, “Jerome, it’s not your job. It is the community’s job, and you are there to serve the community!” Those words have stayed with Stephens throughout his career, and he still hears that voice guiding him today.
Stephens wrapped it up, “I want people to know that I did the best I could to serve the community!”
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