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The first service at the newly formed Bethlehem was conducted on the fourth Sunday in September 1980. On that day, Pastor Lee along with his wife and daughter officially marched through the doors of Bethlehem and conducted service as if the congregation was full. Church membership started to flourish during the following months; the first new members joined the Church in November 1980.
Bethlehem Overcomes a Set-Back: On April 4, 1982, a part of the Bethlehem edifice suffered serious water damage as a result of an electrical fire which started in an adjoining building. For several months following the incident, the Bethlehem Family held services at the home of a member while the Church was being repaired. By July 1982, the Bethlehem edifice was fully restored and the members marched back into the Church in time for the Annual Women's Day Service.
Later in 1982, Pastor Lee was blessed to purchase the four adjoining properties which currently comprise the Bethlehem edifice
Bethlehem is Officially Dedicated: On February 22, 1987, Bethlehem was officially dedicated by Bishop Esau Courtney of the First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. The Honorable Mayor Sharpe James of the City of Newark as well as other City officials were present to witness the dedication.
The Blessings Continue For And Through Bethlehem: In August 1992, Bethlehem was blessed to pay off a 20-year mortgage in a matter of just 10 years.
Also in 1992, the Bethlehem Board of Trustees established a food program through which baskets of food were distributed to needy families in Newark and surrounding areas.
During the first quarter of 1994, Bethlehem joined forces with the Living Dimensions Fellowship under the leadership of Dr. Norman Prescott. In November 1995, the Fellowship was blessed to become the Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of New Jersey and Bishop Norman Prescott was appointed to lead the Third Jurisdiction.
Over the years, Bethlehem has undertaken a number of ambitious beautification and expansion projects. The most recent expansion effort was completed before the end of 1999.
We've Come This Far By Faith: Bethlehem has witnessed many milestones since its inception in 1980, and it is with God's help that Pastor Jeremiah Lee's leadership has brought the Church this far.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE
This is Bethlehem, where Jesus is Lord;
This the Church that's being perfected by His Word;
This is the Church that Loves its people,
The gates of hell shall not prevail;
This is Bethlehem, where Jesus is Lord.
