Harvard Stephens Obituary

On Monday, July 7, 2025, God called His servant Harvard Stephens, Jr. home to rest. Harvard was born on September 19, 1951, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was the middle son of the late Clara Augusta Dawson and Reverend Harvard Stephens, Sr.
Rev. Dr. Stephens is a graduate of Harvard University and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. He is a third-generation Lutheran pastor. In his role as Dean of Augustana Chapel, he played a crucial role in interpreting and promoting Lutheran theology which fostered a spiritual community among students and faculty. As senior pastor of Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church, his leadership on Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands, emphasized community development and support for congregants in a picturesque but often economically challenging environment. He was the first Dean of Siebert Chapel at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. He also served as pastor at Augsburg Lutheran Church, Baltimore, MD; St. Philip Evangelical Lutheran Church, Columbus, OH; Truth Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mitchellville, Maryland; Howard University as Lutheran Dean of the Chapel, Washington, DC; and Carthage College as Dean of the Chapel, Kenosha, WI. He continued to lead congregations until his passing, including serving as the interim pastor of Saint Philip's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD.
Harvard was a proud Tai Chi Chuan black belt, an accomplished saxophone player, and a contributor to numerous ELCA initiatives and publications. He embodied a holistic, culturally attuned faith. He co-developed the nationally honored Young Men With A Future program that won the national service award in 1993 and was honored by the State of Ohio and the National Council of Churches for leadership in the program. He was a voice of hope and resilience in post-hurricane Marilyn recovery efforts in the Virgin Islands. He produced and broadcast public service announcements that addressed the spiritual needs of Virgin Islanders who faced a difficult season of recovery and rebuilding after the hurricane.
As quoted by Dr. Linda Thomas, Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, "Reverend Harvard Stephens served with deep pastoral care, prophetic commitment to the equality of all people, and a joy that resonated through his saxophone, which often accompanied our worship and preaching with soul-stirring beauty."
Harvard often said the best sermons are proclaimed without words through lives that are lived with wisdom, justice, and compassion. His roles within the church have not only shaped congregational life but also promoted theological education and cultural discussions, making him a prominent figure in promoting the Lutheran faith and community values. His diverse experiences reflect a deep commitment to serving both the church and wider community, encouraging dialogue and reflection on important social issues.
Harvard was the loving husband of Linda Stephens, father of Benton Stephens, Kausha Wells, and James Adams. He is also survived by his grandchildren Shanéa Léon, JaSahn Adams, Jazmin Adams, Isaiah (Sadé) Lemons, great-grandchildren Jeremiah Dawson, Janessa, Jayanna, Jahzere, and Jai Lael Adams, sister Augusta Stephens, brother Paul Stephens, nephew Karl Stephens, great-nephew Colin Stephens, great-niece Kyla Stephens, sister-in-law Brenda (Henry) Smith, niece Angel Matthews, and great-niece Brina Wilson. In addition to his God children, Danielle and Simone Torres and Leslie White, and his long-time best friend John Torres. Harvard was loved and will be greatly missed by a host of other family members and close friends.
Friends are invited to celebrate the life of Reverend Doctor Harvard William Stephens Jr. on Monday, July 21, from 10 to 11 AM at Saint Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Rd, Annapolis, MD 21403, where a funeral service will begin at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in his memory to the Cancer Research Institute, the phone number is 800-992-2623, or donate online at Cancer Research Institute OR to St. Martin's Church Music Department.
Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.