Beacon - The Deacons and Deaconess Ministry of Star Bethlehem Baptist Church, Beacon, NY, Rev. Frederick H. Mills, Pastor celebrated the 95th Birthday of Deaconess Gladys Garrett-Stamps at her home on Saturday, July 5, 2008 with ice cream and cake. She was surrounded by many of her family members during this happy occasion.
Gladys May Scott was born on June 29, 1913 to John Scott and Mary Ida Brown.
Her father died in 1939, while getting ready for church where he served as an Usher, her mother died at an early age when she was only 10 years old.
Gladys Scott joined the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church, 22 North Cedar Street, in 1923 and was baptized at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, New York; because at that time Star did not have a pool.
In 1928 Gladys Scott married Brown Garrett, Sr. with Mr. K.B. Galloway in attendance at Star of Bethlehem, 22 North Cedar Street, Beacon, NY. She and her husband operated the first Black owned taxi business, Garrett’s Taxi, located at 75 Ferry Street, Beacon, NY from 1940 to 1965.
Her church activities include: Deaconess Ministry and member of the Missionary Ministry.
She has been a member of the Deaconess Ministry since 1965, and is now an honorary member.
Her past activities include: Usher, Trustee Ministry Board member, secretary/treasure for the church, Willing Workers Club, Building Fund Committee, a Sunday School Teacher and kept track of membership tithes and offerings.
Deaconess Stamps community activities include: Past Worthy Matron, Honorary member of the Eastern Stars, after 61 years of service, past member of the Addie W. Hutton Club, and member of the E.S.F.W.C., Inc.
On February 28, 1965, Rev. Garfield Farley united in married Deaconess Gladys Garrett and Deacon Ernest Stamps. Sis. Mary Chetra and Deacon Armstead Brame attended them.
Deaconess Stamps is again a widow, a mother of four (2 deceased), with 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren.
Pictured above: Deaconess Gladys Garrett-Stamp.
