[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6492]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2006

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bethel African 
Methodist Episcopal Church on the occasion of its 135 years of 
continuing service.
  On April 23, 2006, Bethel African Methodist Church, the oldest 
African-American church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, will celebrate its 
135th anniversary. Bethel had a very humble beginning. While the Church 
was initiated in 1869, original members of the Church began holding 
worship services for many years in local homes. It was not until 1871 
that the Church marked its formal founding as an African Methodist 
Episcopal Church. During 1871, the Church also moved into its present 
and only sanctuary. Many renovations, upgrades, and membership 
additions have helped the Church grow, but members still turn to their 
original roots for strength and stability.
  Over twenty pastors have served the congregation of Bethel and their 
current pastor, the Reverend Dr. Vernon Ross, Jr., has helped provide 
both spiritual and community growth. Through his leadership, Bible 
studies and Sunday school have grown tremendously and over 100 new 
members have found a new church home. Bethel has taken the initiative 
to create an after-school program, a women's and men's ministry, and a 
program to facilitate Christian education. They have also added a 
youth/young adult choice program and expanded the voice mass choir. In 
addition to this growth, the congregation remains focused on its 
missionary and lay organizations and has added to its outreach ministry 
by using church vans to stay involved in the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring 
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on the wonderful occasion of 
its 135th anniversary. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is 
committed to serving its community and is carrying out its mission to 
minister to the spiritual needs of the people of the greater Pottstown 
community in a most extemporary fashion.

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