Bethel AME Church, Vauxhall Burns Mortgage Three Years Early
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were with us. Early one morning in May 2021, Pastor Dennis E. Hughes, officers, and members assembled on church grounds to give thanks and rejoice for what God had done for us. Roman 13:8 says, “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Bethel AME Church in Vauxhall, New Jersey, celebrated 100 years of Kingdom-building on June 27, 2021. The theme is “We Have Come This Far By Faith” from Hebrews 11:1-3.
Twenty-one pastors have served Bethel from 1921-2009. The 22nd and current pastor, the Rev. Dennis E. Hughes, was appointed on August 9, 2009. The Rev. Hughes has demonstrated extraordinary ministerial leadership by enhancing the current ministries and establishing new ones such as the Wednesday morning conference prayer, increasing church membership, reinstating the senior lunch program, implementing numerous improvements to the church edifice, as well as other church-owned properties, including the men’s room, altar, and the rehabilitation and renovation of the two-family rental property.
A sump pump was installed to prevent flooding. A new furnace was installed to replace the original furnace and the long-awaited chair lift, enabling all members to worship together as one. A youth church service was planned and the new church directory was released.
The Rev. Hughes and his wife, the Rev. Valerie V. Hughes, continue to provide spiritual leadership and guidance to the ministerial staff, officers, and members of Bethel as well as the citizens and Union/Vauxhall. His dedication and work are respected and acknowledged by all. Bethel has grown from a faithful few to a dynamic institution in the Vauxhall Community.
Photo Credit: Jada Cox, YPD
