Stephens, Samuel

Dr. Samuel Stephens introduced the idea of training Chicago pharmacists as paramedics;

Opened the Stephens Prescription Pharmacy at 505 E. 61st St. in Chicago just three months prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  His store hours were from early morning to late evening, with delivery of prescriptions on the South and West sides of Chicago often til 1am.  His "reputation for superior service dictated the need for 19 phone lines and a large staff of pharmacists to fill the hundreds of daily orders".   He retired from that location 55 years later, in 1996.  

Immediately following graduation, he served as teacher of Pharmacy for a year at MeHarry Medical School, the first medical college for African-Americans (Nashville, TN);   He then attended the University of Chicago Divinity School, Moody Bible Institute, and Emmaus University.

He cofounded the Southside Gospel Church Assembly, Chicago, IL in 1947 at 863 E. 64th and remained an elder.  His nickname was "Bishop".  Dr. Stephens traveled all over the U.S. as an itinerant speaker, and also mentored many young men in the church and community. 

He was also instrumental in helping found other Chicago-based outreach ministries including:  Businessmen for Christ, Door of Hope Mission, Evangelical Christian School, South Side YFC, Circle Y Camp, and the Unshackled radio program. 

Dr. Stephens' wife's name was Alvai, and their daughter is Jeanne Stephens Cooper.  

In the fall of 1968, he was instrumental introducing the idea of training registered pharmacists as "paramedics" so serve and act in emergencies to get the sick and injured from point of origin to the hospital prior to ambulance transit.  This was first published in a major Pharmacy magazine.  After meeting with the Chicago Fire Chief, Fire Commissioner, who then almost immediately gained the approval of the mayor, this was the beginning of the term "paramedic".  

Dr. Stephens died July 6, 1998.  

Sources

• Adapted from "From Grace to Glory: A Little Bit About A Lot Of Things", by Naomi Ruth Jones Kilpatrick; History of Grace & Glory Gospel Chapel, Chicago, IL