[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 172 (Wednesday, October 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING BRONX BETHANY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 55TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2019

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I want to take the opportunity to recognize 
a special religious institution in my district which is celebrating its 
55th Anniversary this year, the Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene.
  Bronx Bethany Church has a storied history. In the early 1960's, a 
small group of Jamaican nationals migrated to the United States and 
settled in the Bronx. They searched for a church where they could 
worship and have a sense of belonging. They attempted to become members 
of a church in York City but were rejected because of their ethnicity. 
Despite their disappointments, and instead of cursing the dark, they 
lit a candle deciding to gather together for worship in their homes. 
The decision was made within the group to start a church. Rev. V. 
Seymour Cole was introduced to the group by a mutual friend. The small 
group subsequently asked Rev. Cole to shepherd them. Having studied in 
the Midwest, he was familiar with the Church of the Nazarene and 
recommended affiliation with the denomination.
  In 1964, with 21 charter members, Bronx Bethany Church was formally 
organized and became affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. In the 
first 13 years of the church, Rev. Cole commuted from Connecticut--
approximately 60 miles each way--in order to ensure the establishment 
of the fledgling church. Rev. Cole tirelessly and effectively pastored 
this congregation for 36 years before retiring and turning over the 
pulpit in 2000 to Rev. Dr. Samuel Vassel. Dr. Vassel was installed as 
Pastor in September 2000 and has continued the legacy of rich Bible 
preaching. The Church continues to grow spiritually and numerically, 
and God has gifted our community with an abundance of gifts.
  Madam Speaker, on this special occasion, I want to congratulate Dr. 
Vassel and the entire congregation of Bronx Bethany Church on 55 
amazing years in the Bronx.

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