[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 153 (Thursday, October 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 13, 2011

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bethel 
African Methodist Episcopal Church, located in the Town of Morristown, 
Morris County, New Jersey as they celebrate their 168th Anniversary.
  Bethel African American Episcopal Church was the first African 
American Church in Morris County. Originally a blacksmith shop, Bethel 
was built and founded in 1849. The Church has thrived throughout its 
many decades of service to the community and will continue to thrive 
for many years to come.
  Bethel prides itself on enriching the Morris County community by 
offering spiritual and social development for all people, regardless of 
race. Led by Pastor Sidney Williams, the Church not only offers regular 
religious services but also offers, through numerous different 
programs, help to the needy and impoverished within the community. As 
part of their anniversary celebration, Bethel will officially introduce 
their Spring Street Community Development Corporation whose primary 
purpose is to help those in need. This program, according to the 
Church, ``is chartered to improve the quality of life for Morris County 
residents by addressing economic, educational, and social needs while 
preserving the cultural and ethnic diversity of the Morris area.''
  The Bethel African American Episcopal Church is truly a place where 
anyone is welcome to find God and find a community of caring, friendly 
faces. We are proud to have them here in Morris County.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Bethel African Episcopal Church as they celebrate their 168th 
Anniversary.

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