[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12260]
[From the U.S. 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

                        Wednesday, July 27, 2011

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bethel African 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Madison, located in Morris County, New 
Jersey as they celebrate their 165th Anniversary.
  Bethel was the first African-American Church in the Borough of 
Madison, New Jersey. Its beginnings date back to 1846 when informal 
gatherings first took place. After being deeded property in 1850, 
Bethel emerged 35 years later in 1885. Bethel Madison is a testimony of 
growth and constancy, thriving throughout the many decades. It has been 
witness to over a century and a half of American history. The church 
has seen its fair share of hardships, but it has managed to survive and 
thrive.
  Today, Bethel's unassuming, traditional structure remains, but what 
takes place inside reflects the church's modernity. Led by Reverend 
Teresa Rynn Rushdan, the congregation is alive and vibrant as sermons 
and music professing God's love echo throughout the church each week. 
Bethel serves the community through numerous programs aimed at feeding 
and clothing the needy. The church also hosts a variety of community 
events that allows their followers to connect with each other and the 
rest of the Madison community.
  Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a place where anyone is 
welcome to find God. It is a church that welcomes new followers with 
open arms, regardless of race. Though they are distinguished by the 
name African, they are a multicultural church. Bethel is truly an 
embracing ministry devoted to its followers and the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church as they celebrate their 
165th Anniversary.

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