[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 161 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE BETHEL CHURCH OF MORRISTOWN'S 175TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2018

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bethel 
Church of Morristown located in the Town of Morristown, New Jersey, on 
the occasion of its 175th Anniversary.
  In 1841, several families left the Presbyterian Church of Morristown 
to form the Bethel Mite Society, which was later incorporated as Bethel 
African Methodist Episcopal Church of Morristown in 1843. Bethel's 
first Pastor was Bishop Willis Nazery, who was born a slave in 1803 in 
Isle of Wight County in Virginia. For eight years the congregation met 
in each other's homes until funds were raised to construct the 
Carpenter Gothic church on Spring Street in 1849. Bethel's first 
building was dedicated with Bishop Paul Quinn officiating, assisted by 
Pastor Thomas Oliver.
  Bethel served as the only school for Colored and Native American 
children in Morris County and needed to expand its facilities. In 1874, 
a new lot on Spring Street was purchased from John R. and Cornelia 
Piper for the sum of $2,000. A new church was constructed at an 
estimated cost of $3,000. Gifts from Mrs. Mary Anne Cobb of pews, doors 
and windows from the old Methodist Church, on the Morristown Green, 
helped in this great work. The existing house on the lot was moved next 
door and used as a parsonage. The church remained in that building for 
nearly 100 years.
  Under the leadership of Pastor A. Lewis Williams, a ground breaking 
ceremony was held for a new church on August 12, 1967. The congregation 
worshipped in the Lafayette School auditorium for two and one half 
years until the construction of the church was completed. After 
numerous setbacks and financial difficulties, the present church was 
completed and dedicated November 8, 1970. Rev. A. Lewis Williams 
subsequently served as the Editor of the Christian Recorder from 1973 
to 1976.
  In 2010, Pastor Sidney Williams became the 51st pastor in the 
church's history. Prior to that, he served as a missionary with his 
family in Cape Town, South Africa. The church was not having the impact 
on the community that its members desired. To increase the impact on 
the community, Pastor Sidney Williams, with his wife Teresa, and the 
leadership team of Bethel discerned a new vision for community 
outreach, spiritual growth and evangelism. The church became more 
``community oriented'' to serve both believers and unbelievers. Bethel 
Church was also working to transition from a small family church to a 
growing church with decentralized ministries, focusing on newcomers, 
small groups, and discipleship. The goal was to give people biblical 
truths that helped them Live the Mission.
  In 2014, Bethel Church introduced a set of core values: prayer, love, 
and respect. These ideals serve to inspire Bethel Members to make its 
congregation the most loving and spirit filled congregation in the 
world.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
congratulating the Bethel Church of Morristown, on the occasion of its 
175th Anniversary.

                          ____________________