A Journey through Prayer

the history of our church

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The present church is the eventual product of many attempts over the years, under several general and state administrations to establish a Church of God here in the capital city of Trenton.  

 

In 1985 the late Rev. Jeremiah McIntyre was sent to rebuild and pastor the Trenton Church of God.  With the help of Rev. Quiglen Daubon from New Brunswick, Rev. McIntyre made contact with the few from Trenton, visiting them in their homes. Services began at the Capital Plaza Hotel (no longer in existence) and then at the Roebling Firehouse at Chambers and Broad Streets.  The small group soon again moved to Trenton Central High School. 

 

In 1986 Rev. McIntyre was transferred to Washington D.C.  Once again, the flock needed a shepherd.  Several ministers visited the small group but for reasons which remain unknown, never returned.  After all, there was not much to work with.  A handful of people in a dingy school hall was not an attractive bait.

 

In November 1986, Rev. Mullings was appointed Pastor of the then Trenton Church of God.  At the time of his appointment, there were only two members of the church and a handful of a few loyal friends who have since become members.

 

We continued to worship at Trenton Central High School, very inconveniently so, and at a high cost.  The average rent was $650 per month in the summer and $1200 in the winter.  We had use of the hall on a Sunday morning for three to four hours, and sometimes we did not have heat. If we went over the allotted time we were billed extra or would have the lights turned off on us.  On several occasions we were locked out.  Once, we kept services outside of the school, other times at members’ houses.  We were not discouraged, battered yes, but not beaten.  Rev. Mullings determined that this would not do, so he began to build.  The members and friends had a mind to work.  Even without a home the church expanded, and we were able to organize a few auxiliaries.  The Ladies Ministry was one of the first auxiliaries to be organized under the leadership of Rev. Delores Mullings. 

 

Rev. Harold Downing became the New Jersey State Overseer for the Church of God in 1986.  He pledged that before his term was concluded as state overseer, he would have an established church in Trenton.  From time to time, he would visit us with financial data concerning the purchase of a building.  He also outlined to us the problems we could face with such a venture.  We appreciated his honesty and openness but felt more challenged than defeated.  We raised funds through a hotel catered dinner, small dinners in members’ homes, and two very successful rallies.  Most of the funds raised had to be used to keep us in the school hall.  We spent two years there.  On several occasions we thought we were getting ready to move to our own building, but plans fell through.  Throughout the two years, fellowship was wonderful, the few of us were tightly knitted.  On Sunday after church one of the members would cook and have the brethren over for dinner.  We did not have many cars, but we packed the few tightly and attended rallies and services at other churches. The whole church was the choir. 

 

One Sunday after 2044 Greenwood Avenue came into the picture.  It started out as a probability and gradually became a possibility.  When the reality was evident, enthusiasm stirred, and everyone was ready to work.  Rev. Downing inspired us to pledge toward the realization of our dream.  He pledged his support and the support of the General Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee.  Members and non-members alike shared the vision and pledged their money, most on pure faith.

 

On January 22, 1989, we moved to 2044 Greenwood Avenue and on April 1989 we dedicated that building to the Lord.  Membership then stood at 21.  Pastor Mullings elected to rename the church the Mt. Bethel Church of God.  The term “back to Bethel” means back to the house of God (through prayer), and he believes firmly that the church must be rooted in prayer.

 

We spent eight years at Greenwood Avenue.  During this time, the church prospered and so did the people: more cars, houses, jobs, weddings, babies.  Soon we outgrew the Greenwood Avenue church.  The decision was made to acquire property on Calhoun Street, but these plans fell through.  In the meantime, our church was sold.  While we again waited, the church was housed at the Mt. Sinai Seventh Day Adventist Church on Arlington Avenue in Trenton.  We spent four months at Mt. Sinai.  

 

On August 3, 1997, we moved to 2400 South Broad Street, with a sanctuary that seated approximately 400, and other large capacity meeting rooms and offices. As we began to outgrow 2400 South Broad Street, we began to look for a larger facility.  One that would accommodate our dreams and aspirations, including a parking lot for outdoor activities.

 

Once 491 Bellevue Avenue came into view, our eyes were fixed on the goal.  Despite many obstacles and hurdles, after 10 months of waiting, we purchased the former Hai Sanai Jewish synagogue to the tune of $1.2 million. On December 31, 2007, with some, we held our first service. This facility houses classrooms, office space, a banquet hall and a sanctuary that seats almost 1000. Seventeen years later we are proud to be mortgage free.

 

To God be the Glory!