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Stephen McNeil Linen, born December 7, 1960

Pastor Stephen McNeil Linen known as “Harrisburg’s Prince of Gospel Music” has a long history with gospel music. At a very early age, Stephen was inspired and mentored by the Late Eld. Robert A. Bady, Jr. in every aspect of gospel music. The Lord used Brother David E. White to teach Stephen to play the piano; the lessons were a gift given to Stephen from his mother and Aunt, Dorothy Mills. The Emanuel COGIC, his mother, Sister Hildred Corbin and others were the tools that God used to sharpen his gift. Stephen then began to teach other young people the art of playing by ear. Many of his students are now serving as Ministers of Music all over the country.

His calling is not limited to music. He is an Ordain Elder in the Church Of God In Christ. He has completed three years of certification in Clinical Pastoral Education and worked as a chaplain at the Hershey Med Center. He loves teaching the word of God. In addition, he conducts revivals. He also conducts prayer revivals and all night prayers. Prayer is the support of his ministry. He loves traveling, meeting people and ministering on the road.

Stephen has been the musician for numerous area churches. This artist has also played and sang in countless numbers of groups, choirs, some of which were The National Church Of God In Christ Mass Choir, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth State Music Department. He was the State Minister of Music for the Eastern Jurisdiction Pennsylvania Church Of God In Christ and was the president of the Harrisburg Interdenominational Youth Choir. He is the originator and president of the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. Mass Choir.

This artist has been featured as a gospel artist at fairs, banquets, weddings, receptions, telethons, homecomings, special school affairs, institutions, and outdoor rallies for Christ, national contests, graduations, coffee houses and sang the National Anthem for a televised boxing match.

He was the guest vocalist at the National Civil Rights Conference for the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, DC. He has played, sang and written songs for many concerts. In 1978, he released his first recording “I Can Feel Him Movin” which became a hit in Central Pennsylvania and other parts of the country earning him the Glo-Award for best Songwriter.

Stephen has shared the stage with Sara Jordan Powell whom has had the greatest impact on his music ministry. He has appeared on programs with other artists some of which are: Dorinda Clark-Cole, Shirley Caesar, Bettye Nelson, The Late Isaac Douglas, The Williams Brothers, Douglas Miller, Bruce Parham, Twinkie Clark, The Late Timothy Wright, Vicki Winans, The Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, The New Jersey Mass Choir to name a few. He is also one of the ten musicians (The Maestros) that performs in concert playing 10 Baby Grand Pianos on one stage. Stephen’s name is mention in the “Uncloudy Days” Encyclopedia of Gospel Music. Stephen is known for his love that showers the atmosphere as he ministers.

He is also gospel music radio announcer for more than 35 years. He is a member of the GMWA Gospel Announcer’s Guild serving on the board of education. Notwithstanding his handicap of having, both Muscular Dystrophy, A very rare condition Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and undergone over 70 operations, he can still stand tall and declare, “I WILL BLESS THE LORD AT ALL TIMES”. He is the founder and Pastor of the Tabernacle of Prayer Church.