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Without his relentless leadership and moral courage, Arizona might never have adopted a Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. A pillar of strength and a father figure to many in the African American and broader communities, he has been a tireless champion for equality and social justice, guiding his congregation and uplifting his community for nearly half a century.
Now, a historic and heartfelt celebration is being planned to honor Pastor and Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., a longtime civil rights leader and Senior Pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix, as he retires after 48 years of ministry and advocacy.
In the words of Dr. Stewart, “God is faithful, and after 48 years of preaching and practicing Jesus and justice, I could not be more thankful for everything we have accomplished as a congregation and as a community.”
Dr. Stewart, who has served as Senior Pastor since July 1, 1977, is recognized as a pivotal figure in Arizona’s civil rights movement.
A devoted husband to his wife, the Reverend Dr. Karen E. (Curry) Stewart, the couple raised a blended family of five sons, Warren, Jr., Matthew, Jared, Justin, Aaron and two daughters, Jamila Imani and Jessica Elizabeth (Curry) Morris.
While it is impossible to measure the incalculable weight of his service, under Pastor Stewart’s guidance, the First Institutional Baptist Church became a beacon for spiritual growth and social justice in Phoenix and beyond.
During his 48 years of leadership, mentorship and spiritual guidance, Dr. Stewart licensed approximately 167 sons and daughters in ministry. He started four churches in Africa and is a leader in the Baptist World Alliance, representing 51 million Baptists globally. Pastor Stewart is most often recognized for his leadership in the campaign to establish a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in the state.
Dr. Stewart served as the first General Chairperson for Arizonans for a Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday, which was instrumental in the legislative passage of the holiday on September 21, 1989. He also founded and led Victory Together, Inc., a coalition that secured a historic statewide vote establishing Martin Luther King Jr./Civil Rights Day in Arizona on November 3, 1992.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego offered praise for Dr. Stewart’s decades of dedication:
“It is a privilege to honor an individual who has made a profound difference in the lives of Phoenix residents. Deep thanks to Pastor Warren H. Stewart Sr. for 48 years of leadership and service to First Institutional Baptist Church. Watch for a street sign commemorating this amazing man.”
Throughout June, a series of commemorative services and events will celebrate Dr. Stewart’s legacy and mark the transition as he enters retirement.
At one of his last speaking engagements before retirement, Pastor Stewart will join Roy Dawson, a longtime church member, and his son, Matthew Stewart, to speak together Friday, June 13 at the African American Conference on Disabilities & Chronic Health Symposium.
In recognition of his legacy, a special Celebration Gala will be held at 6:00 PM Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix. The evening will feature keynote speaker Dr. Ralph Douglas West, music by Maurice Griffin, and will be emceed by Dr. Kenneth C. Curry Jr. and the Reverend Tanya Y. Hughes.
The public is also invited to join the final Sunday farewell services at First Institutional Baptist Church June 29, featuring:
- 7:30 AM – Church and Community Farewell Ceremony
- 11:00 AM – Church Family Farewell Message from Dr. Stewart