Pastor Larry D. McGarity was born to Mrs. LuveeMcGarity -Jones. He was born August 7, 1969 in Covington, TN. He is a 1988 graduate of Covington High School. After graduation from Covington High School, he attended Dyersburg State Community College and Union University. Pastor McGarity plans to continue his Theology studies.

Mr. McGarity has had a lengthy and rewarding career in law enforcement. He served 26 years with the Covington Police Department. He now serves as a Deputy Sheriff with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department.

In May 1996, Pastor McGarity accepted his call into the Ministry. Pastor McGarity served in many different ministries at his home church, St. Stephen M. B. Church in Covington, TN under the leadership of Pastor J A Baker and Pastor Marvin S Hall. In addition to being an Associate Minister, he was an active member of the Christian Education Ministry. He served as a Bible Study, Sunday school and New Members Class Teacher. He also was involved with the Music Ministry serving as the drummer as well as the broadcast overseer. In 1998, he was ordained as a Baptist Preacher.

February 2006, he was installed as the Pastor of Alexander M B Church in Somerville, TN. During his tenure at Alexander, existing ministries were re established and new ministries were formed including the ACT (Accept Christ Today) outreach ministry.

On December14, 2008, Pastor McGarity accepted the assignment to pastor his home church, St. Stephen M. B. Church.

Pastor McGarity married the former Adrienne Michelle Washington on July 25, 1998. Mrs. McGarity was born to Joe Washington, Sr. and the late Earnestine Williams-Washington.

Mrs. McGarity accepted Christ and united with Pulliam Chapel M. B. Church before being part of St. Stephen M. B. Church. She served in many capacities, including Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director,and Finance Clerk.

Mrs. McGarity is a 1994 Graduate of Haywood High School, a 2003 graduate of Dyersburg State Community College and a 2007 graduate of Bethel College. In 2018, Mrs. McGarity earned her Master’s Degree from Bethel University. She is employed with Delta Human Resource Agency as Executive Director. Mrs. McGarity is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Pastor & Mrs. McGarity are the proud parents of five children, Desmond, Tinisha, Larry, Makayla, and Joshua, and one granddaughter, Lauren Michelle.