Pastor Stephen Douglas Sullivan Succumbs

The Rev. Stephen Douglas Sullivan Sr., the Senior Pastor of the Evening Star Baptist Church transitioned with honors from the toils of this life and is now, according to our faith, Pastor, is at rest. We are certainly grateful for this charismatic man and his message of salvation through Jesus the Christ.

The City of Cleveland, the Clergy and the Church community at large will not soon forget this tenacious teacher, powerful preacher and anointed arbitrator under orders from the Lord our God.

Pastor Sullivan was not only a pastor among pastors, but a noted messenger of God with anointed linguistic skills that furthered his message with clarity and a dexterity that penetrated the hearts and minds of men, lending only to a better understanding of the gospel message.

We salute and celebrate his life and his ministry. Pastor Sullivan’s denominational responsibilities included serving as the 3rd Vice Moderator Northern Ohio Baptist Association, the past Moderator -- Northern Ohio Baptist District Association, past President -- Ohio Baptist Convention, Sunday School Co-Lecturer of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Cleveland, Area Moderator -- Cleveland Sub-District Association, and Secretary -- Sunday School Publishing Board of National Baptist Convention, USA Incorporated. Pastor Sullivan’s favorite scripture is “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,...Romans 1:16. Pastor’s favorite song is Near the Cross and without question,, his favorite book is the Bible. His meaningful milestones included the Churches he was blessed to Pastor and the many sheep God blessed him to lead across the pastures of this life.

We humbly express our heartfelt condolences to Pastor Sullivan’s wife, First Lady, Bette J. Barlow Sullivan and son Stephen D. Sullivan, II. Pastor and Sis. Sullivan are also the grandparents of Stephen D. Sullivan, III and Shiane Darlyn Sullivan.

All family members near and far are in my prayers. I pray for their strength through one of the most difficult experiences in this life. I know that earth has no sorrow heaven cannot heal and that the love of God will keep Sis. Betty Sullivan and family.

I also pray that the furtherance and favor of God be upon the Evening Star Baptist Church in the absence of their pastor. I know that Pastor Sullivan’s teaching, preaching and partnering in the faith as a loving pastor will be sorely missed. We further acknowledge the many men and women pastor Sullivan has mentored over the years. We encourage you to keep the faith and always look toward heaven...God is still on the throne.

The earthly remains of Dr. Steven Douglas Sullivan will lie in state at the Evening Star Baptist Church from 12p.m. to 6p.m., March 29, 2019. The Evening Star Baptist Church is located at 9909 St. Claire Ave, in Cleveland, Ohio.

A wake service will take place on Saturday morning March 30, 2019 at 10:00 am followed by a celebration service at 11:00 am at the Temple Baptist Church located at 1862 Noble Road in East Cleveland, Ohio, where the Rev. Dr. Sedric Veal is Pastor.

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (Corinthians 5:8)