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John Stevens Obituary

Stevens
John Stevens
December 2, 2023

The Reverend Dr. John H. Stevens, the long-time pioneering pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs whose 36-year ministry helped transform the city and whose messages gladdened the hearts of both the happy and the hurting, slipped away peacefully at the Mount St. Francis Nursing Center. He was 85.
Born in St. Claire Shores, Mich., the only child of Henry and Helen Stevens, John's future was forever changed when his father, an employee of the Ford Motor Company, contracted spinal meningitis, paralyzing him from the waist down. When doctors told his father the only relief or hope of healing would be found in a warmer, drier climate, the family headed for Hollywood, Calif., where a relative helped arrange housing and a sedentary job for his dad as a lighting technician at Columbia Pictures. Due to World War II rationing, the journey west was made possible thanks to friends and neighbors donating their allotment of gas coupons.
The warm sun and access to the era's movie stars captivated the attention of the 5-year-old John. Growing up in an apartment across from the studio, John joined a stable of kids who were regularly pulled on as extras in a wide array of movies, including ALL THE KING'S MEN, THE GOOD HUMOR MAN, and several films with John Wayne. While standing outside Schwab's Pharmacy, a legendary neighborhood and industry hangout, a blond starlet drove up in a pink convertible and greeted the now 13-year-old. "Hello dahling!" said Zsa Zsa Gabor.
John would forever credit his Le Conte Middle School music teacher, Mae Nightingale, for his love of music, especially opera and choral arrangements. Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl fed what would become a lifelong interest. He remained in touch with "Miss Nightingale" until her death many decades later.
First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood would prove to be an even greater influence in his young life. Sitting under the teachings of senior pastors Dr. Louis Evans, Dr. Raymond Lindquist, and legendary Sunday school teacher Henrietta Mears, the seeds of his own future ministry were sowed, planted and watered. John attended and graduated from Hollywood High, crossing paths with the likes of Carol Burnett, Natalie Wood, and David and Ricky Nelson.
Studying prelaw at the University of California Santa Barbara, and while attending a Lambda Chi Alpha party at the Plow and Angel Bar inside the San Ysidro Ranch Hotel, John felt an overwhelming spiritual conviction. He immediately left the bar (and his date!), returned home, got down on his knees, and committed the rest of his life to the Lord.
Following a two-year stint in the U. S. Army, where John excelled as a sharpshooter and attained the rank of first lieutenant, he enrolled in Princeton Seminary. Upon graduation, he joined the staff at East San Diego Presbyterian Church, where he served in a variety of roles including youth pastor. Eager to meet his future wife, John confided in a friend while attending a church-sponsored camp at the Big Bear Lake Conference Center. He said he'd love to meet a devout Christian woman who was smart, pretty, and who loved music. The very next day he was introduced to Gail, a recent music major graduate from Stanford University who would join the staff at East San Diego Pres as choir director. Soon after, Gail eagerly accepted John's invitation to spend a day at Disneyland, only to learn a busload of kids from the church youth group would be accompanying them. They were married June 19, 1966.
After a representative from First Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs heard John speak at Forest Home Christian Camp, he accepted an invitation to interview for an associate pastor position, reporting to pastor Dr. Howard Hansen. Charmed by the city's beauty and challenged by the Lord's call, they accepted the opportunity. Dr. Hansen's retirement a year later set up 32-year-old John's unlikely promotion to senior pastor.
Driving home one Sunday after service, John reflected on the tremendous untapped potential of the church. "This is a sleeping giant," he told Gail. "I'm going to wake it up." The next decade would mark the single greatest growth season in congregation history. John would oversee the launch of a divorce recovery workshop, a grief recovery ministry, as well as the establishment of Growing Together Wednesday night fellowship and classes. "Festival of Faith" was a summer program featuring sermons from some of the country's great preachers. John assumed the mantle of someone who championed the city, encouraged the faithful, enthusiastically mentored new pastors and unapologetically and optimistically preached the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Stevens' weekly messages (more than 1,200 across his pastorate), appealed to the congregation's highest hopes. Thousands packed the pews each week to hear him teach and apply the Scriptures to their everyday lives. His sermons were insightful, inspirational, and often infused with gentle and wry humor. One Super Bowl Sunday that featured the Denver Broncos, John remarked, "I don't know what all the fuss is about this weekend." As he spoke, he pulled an orange handkerchief from the sleeve of his black robe.
John was a visionary strategist who enthusiastically championed women in leadership when many did not. Humble but confident in his calling and Christ's sufficiency, John's high attention to detail also helped establish First Pres as a destination church, as well as the place to celebrate Christmas and Easter, when extra services were added to accommodate the thousands who flocked to the corner of Bijou and Nevada.
Often joking he didn't have hobbies but rather interests, John was a loving husband to Gail and a devoted father to Stan and Tim. The family traveled and ministered together. John took interest in what they were interested in - whether skiing or riding roller coasters. He loved to read - and while he left the major cooking to Gail, he perfected the art of grilling a great steak. John had a special relationship with all five of his granddaughters, and they'll miss tea parties, runs to McDonalds, rounds of golf, and sharing videos of their sporting events and music concerts with him.
John stressed the power of relationships and cautioned colleagues to never burn bridges, and to build people up and never tear them down. Due in large part to his highly self-disciplined nature, John made time to contribute beyond his church role, serving on many boards including the local Red Cross, Whitworth College and AspenPointe mental health services, as well as chairman of a D11 bond issue.
John is survived by his wife of more than 57 years, Gail Louise; sons Stanford (Susan) and Timothy (Courtney); granddaughters Kelsey, Kendall, Paige, Heidi and Sommer. The family wishes to thank the many wonderful friends who enriched John's life in his years of professional ministry and in retirement. Of particular note are those who visited and supported him in his final months, making the difficulties of disease more bearable.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Spring 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to offer a memorial gift make a charitable donation to the First Presbyterian Church Foundation, 219 E. Bijou St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. https://firstprescos.org/giving/first-pres-foundation

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Dec. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for John Stevens

Not sure what to say?





Robert

December 5, 2024

Hard to believe a year has passed , I went to first pres. as a kid with my mother, rest in peace sir. Prayers for the family.

Barbara Sims

April 12, 2024

Thinking of your family today, as you celebrate John's life. My mother, Lois Strutton, so admired John, and enjoyed his ministry. She was in Gayle's women's choir for several years, and helped with the music library. My husband, Harv Sims, was a Pikes Peak ranger and enjoyed Stan's friendship as a co-ranger. I'm sure that today will be a great day of celebration for a most admired pastor. Blessings to you, Barbara Sims

Linda (Best) Therien

February 22, 2024

John Stevens was the single most influential person in my formative years as a Christian. I was part of his youth group at East San Diego Presbyterian Church and he literally changed my life for the better. Gail was quite influential as well especially during the week I spent under her guidance as a camper at church camp. I will never forget. John's infectious laugh, his commitment to his faith, his vibrant preaching and his love of people. I'm sorry that in recent years we have not been in touch but his influence on me as well as many of my classmates is something I will be forever thankful for. Blessings to John and Gail. Lovingly, Linda (Best) Therien.

Steve Harrington

December 31, 2023

Grateful for John´s ministry and mentoring
Steve Harrington

Brenda

December 28, 2023

So sorry for the loss of such a great man. I pray for peace and love for the Stevens family. Johns legacy is the wonderful family he created and all the amazing adventures shared. Thank you for all you gave to our community and Rest In Peace.

Gina

December 26, 2023

This was a shock. So very sad. I have been going to First Pres since the early 1980s. I was very involved in the youth group, choir, handbells, . I would go to GTW and everything else that was offered. He was a fixture and something that was consistent in my inconsistent life. RIP Pastor

Julie Gardner

December 23, 2023

Stan,
I am sorry learn about the passing of your father. I gathered from his obituary that he had a full and wonderful life and most importantly loved the Lord. Thankful he is in Jesus' presence now. Hope to see you on the highway next season. Julie Gardner (Ranger 57)

Cheryl Clark

December 21, 2023

I was John & Gail´s hairstylist for many years. We became friends over that time. Whenever I ask John a "spiritual " ? he always had the perfect non answer lol.
I would love to talk to Gail & share all our memories. What a wonderful life John led & we all know where he is now.

Linda Eaton

December 17, 2023

My mother, JoAn O'Brien, former First Pres secretary, respected and admired Dr Stevens. They used to banter back and forth and she brought him dahlias from our garden. He was a delight and very insightful. I'm so glad to have had him as our pastor since we came to Colorado Springs in 1987. He set the bar high! Sincerely, Linda Eaton

Lisa Gooch

December 17, 2023

Even though, First Pres wasn't my home church at first. I came to love it and appreciate how John ministered, not only to us but also how his funny sense of humor and having such a big responsibility as a senior minister was well received. I'm sure it wasn't always easy, as they say the wife of the minister has to sacrifice a lot. Thanks for being a part of it Gail, I pray it was a great journey. That sure is a wonderful obituary and the memory I'll always have is that we considered each other friends. With sincerity and love for a memorable time in my life. Lisa Fingar Gooch

Julie Arntson Boyd

December 16, 2023

I was 16 years old when John came to our church: East San Diego, Presbyterian Church. I have very fond memories of him and his sense of humor.

Will Moore

December 15, 2023

My confirmation and first communion were with Dr. Stevens in the early 1990's. Our family always looked forward to hearing his sermons, and he helped ignite a spark of faith in me I carry to this day. His positive impact on the souls of so many people have helped ensure the hope of life in Christ endures. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

Deanna Lang

December 14, 2023

Dr. Stevens supported me throughout my years as a congregant, deacon, elder, and Grief Workshop leader. More important than these, however, were his inspirational messages that helped me grow in the faith; I still have tapes of many of his sermons. I will remember him always....

Marilyn LeVan Chambon

December 14, 2023

Gail, Stan and Tim,
My heart goes out to you as you process the loss of your husband and father. Knowing he has passed into the arms of God and that you will see him again some day may give you great peace but that doesn't erase the sadness. Having served with John on staff for many years I know the difference he made as pastor and God does too.
Many blessings,
Marilyn LeVan Chambon

Robert

December 10, 2023

I went to church with my mother as a kid, we went to the Presbyterian church every Sunday , at 12 yrs old I said I wanted to be a preacher, although I never followed that path , I often thought of MR. Steven´s & his sermons , RIP SIR & prayers to the family

Jim Bryant

December 10, 2023

Thanks for your contributions to my life John!

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