[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 176 (Tuesday, November 5, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1399-E1400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST 
                            EPISCOPAL CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 5, 2019

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th 
anniversary of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Asbury 
Park, New Jersey. Since its founding, Bethel African Methodist 
Episcopal Church has provided outstanding spiritual guidance and 
outreach to the community.
  Organized in 1869, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was one 
of the first churches established in Asbury Park, initially gathering 
in a tent for services and later at a site deeded to the church by 
James A. Bradley, founder of Asbury Park. In 1949, the church found its 
permanent home on Cookman Avenue.
  Throughout its long history, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal 
Church has been graced with pastoral leadership committed to 
cultivating a welcoming place for the community to learn, pray and 
connect with others. Its pastors have also endeavored to ensure a 
viable future for the church, maintaining and updating the church 
building with renovations, including adaptations for people with 
special needs, classrooms and air conditioning. Currently led by Rev. 
Dr. Danielle L. Hunter, the church's first female pastor, Bethel 
African Methodist Episcopal Church has expanded its spiritual outreach, 
offering prayer meetings, an intercessory prayer line and added worship 
services.
  Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church also dedicates itself to 
social action and community service. Through its food pantry and

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clothing closet, lunch program, tutoring and many other services of its 
ministries, the church carries on the mission of faith, uplifting all 
those who seek solace and assistance.
  Madam Speaker, once again, please join me in celebrating the 150th 
anniversary of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bethel 
African Methodist Episcopal Church continues to serve as a place of 
worship and inspiration and its dedicated service to its congregants 
and the greater Asbury Park community is truly deserving of this body's 
recognition.

                          ____________________