200th Anniversary
Bethel A.M.E. Pennington NJ

The Reverend Dr. Angela M. Battle
former Senior Pastor

In June of 2013 The Rev. Gregory S. Smith was assigned Bethel the son of the late Presiding Elder Gypson. Under Rev. Smith's leadership the church has seen a resurgence of young people. The church reestablished youth Sunday school, a youth choir and has a youth and teen praise dance ministry. Rev. Smith has also been instrumental in reestablishing a connection with Pennington's Ecumenical and civic community, serving as co-chair of Pennington's 125th Ecumenical Service.
 
Currently, Bethel is under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Angela M. Battle the second female and Sarah Ann Bass Humanitarian Award winner of the State of New Jersey for the First Episcopal District who became pastor in June 11, 2016. Dr. Battle hit the ground running with ministry and picked up the mantle from Rev. Smith. Thus far she has updated the Website, started the $10,000 parsonage renovation and construction project, implemented the Evangelism Ministry, connected with New Brunswick Theological Seminary Alumni and Supervised Ministry Program, and initiated the "We Keep Our Promises" endeavor that will involve the community youth, businesses, and churches.
 
Dr. Battle is chairperson of Bethel's 200th Anniversary which consisted of a Legacy of Excellence Walk with the community to the African Cemetery, a living tree ribbon cutting and stone dedication, a tour of Bethel, an Ecumenical Service with community and a gospel concert featuring the Pennington School youth playing instruments along with Rod Blackstone playing familiar songs of Zion.
 
At the Ecumenical Service on Sunday, October 16, 2016 the Mayor Anthony J. Persichilli of Pennington read and presented his Proclamation from the Mayor's Office and Council of Pennington Borough. Senator Shirley K. Turner and Assemblywoman Elizabeth Maher Muoio read and presented a Joint Legislative Resolution to the church from the The Senate and General Assembly. The proclamations will be framed and placed in the sanctuary on the back walls. Rev. Battle also shared a small painting of the church that was donated by Sis. Doris McAchen. This painting will also be framed and placed in sanctuary along with the Hopewell Valley News article dated Friday, October 14, 2016 sharing information about the Bethel's 200th anniversary activities. The anniversary journals were also distributed which included letters from Bishop Gregory GM Ingram and Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram, the Presiding Elder Vernard Leak of the New Brunswick District, and AME ministries, local churches and local merchants.
 
During the morning culminating service on Sunday, October 23, 2016 Rev. Battle preached, "We Stand Among The Pillars" taken from the Book of Judges 16: 26-28 and sung "Are We yet Alive". The following people were honored as pillars of the church for the loyal faithful service and dedication for over 50 years: Florence Case, Al & Joyce Driver, Geraldine Hoagland, Doris McAchen, and Mother Thelma Parks. Shana Williams, (daughter of James C. Jennings) and Tracy Heading co-chairs of Bethel's Bicentennial Celebration were also honored. Licentiate Wanda D. Battle and Minister Stacy Maddox were acknowledged for their contributions and support as ministerial staff of Bethel.
 
The culminating afternoon service was held at Bethel with the Reverend Mary Ingram Associate Minister from St. James AME Church Hightstown, NJ as the guest preacher.
 
Alumni and current students from New Brunswick Theological Seminary were The Reverend Older Azard, Pastor of Crossroads Church in Newark, NJ, The Reverend Naomi Meyers, Associate Minister from Heard AME Church, Roselle, NJ, Minister Stacey Maddox, and Pam Parker. Some of the local guests were The Reverend Malik McKinley, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Pennington and congregation. The Reverend McGowan Associated Minister for Mt. Pisgah, Princeton led us in the songs of Zion, one being "We Lift Every Voice and Sing" and played the organ. Prior to service was the fellowship dinner and after service the church anniversary cake was served.
 
Bethel is a long standing pillar within the Pennington community instilling the AME church's motto "God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit our Comforter and Humankind our Family". Bethe's theme is "A Legacy of Excellence as a pillar in the community, we are here to Engage, Equip, and Empower to Serve".
 

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