A Word About Us

St. Mary's began as a Thursday evening Spiritual Development Class in Kansas City, MO., in 1946, by Elder Gertrude G. Stevernson from Topeka, Kansas; an ordained minister of the Methodist denomination.  The class attendance grew into having a Saturday night Prophecy Service, and then Tuesday night Worship Service.
     In 1946 the Stevernson's converted their home living room and den at 2311 Agnes, KCMO, into a church setting, and with the assistance of Elder Warren Stevernson, Sr. and Elder Minnie Mae Mansfield, The St. Mary's Holy Temple Non-Denominational was born. As the church had already set forth to charter St. Mary's as a non-profit corporation with the State of Missouri, there was one (1) year investigation for there was not a non-denominational church listed. Thus, until finished with investigation St. Mary's was listed Methodist denomination. In March, 1947 The St. Mary's Holy Temple was granted the Missouri Charter not-for-profit charter. 
     Elder Stevernson continued in her advance education in theology studies, philosophy and metaphysics, traveling as far as Madrid, Spain. Her primary advance education was Washburn, University with degree in medicine graduating as RN. Attended Rockhust College, of KCMO (known as University). In 1963 was bestowed the Doctorate - D.D. L.D.
     St. Mary's physical journey has been 2311 Agnes, 3312 E. 25th St (25th and Bellefontaine), 3244 Wabash. At the Wabash address is where the name was change or expanded to The St. Mary's Grand Holy Tabernacle Non-Denominational and School of Christianity; to 4102 Prospect, and now 2000 Hardesty Ave. KCMO., 64127. St. Mary's carys the inhouse School of Christianity. Through 70 years of service to Christ, St. Mary's has been enlarged through many states in U.S.A., and have ordained many ministers who have set forth in the calling of God in and on their life and have established churches.   
     Today, St. Mary's is still growing strong in the Lord.  Always with Christ as the Head of the Church, the Body of Christ, and have claimed their living organism territory, alive and well. "Learning to learn, learn to live."
Our present pastor/teacher is Bishop Barbara E. Herndon, Phd P.T.

COME SEE! 
We are a community of Faith in Jesus Christ.  We welcome all people, regardless of race, creed, or color, economic endurance, relationship status, addictions, etc. St. Mary's brings the Life of Christ to a lost and broken world who are seeking God's love and spiritual guidance.
COME LEARN!
A source of Christianity promoting God, His creation, His doctrines and law, His teaching in the Word in Worship service, Sunday School, Bible class and seminars, fellowship, group settings named for better opportunities in personal, family and skills; spiritual growth.
COME DO!
A place to exercise their spiritual gifts, grow in the service of help ministries, developing and using skills and talents. Bringing Ephesians 4 alive.  Praising and worshipping together in devotions, prayer, clapping our hands, shouting with joy, stomping to the happy beat of Gospel. Hearing His Word.
COME, LET'S GO!
As a church within the neighborhood and community, reaching out to serve children, families and individual. Sharing testimonies and witnessing His mighty acts and His all embracing LOVE. Encouraging others to direct their total being - body, souls, and spirit - to Christ. Experiencing God's incredible Unconditional LOVE!