On March 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Trenton's Galilee Baptist Church celebrated its 100th anniversary with prayers, songs, guest and church speakers and a reception.
TRENTON - When the choir broke out in song on Sunday, no member of Galilee Baptist Church could refrain from standing up to sing clap and sway along to the music, not even Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson.
The church celebrated its 100th anniversary with prayers, songs, guest and church speakers and a reception.
A Galilee deacon leading the choir in song at the church's 100th anniversary service. "In this country, 26 churches a year wind up closing their doors forever," Rev. Dr. John Harris, Galilee's seventh pastor, said. "So to make it to 100 years is something to shout about."
Harris said "I won't lie to you," keeping the church running was not always an easy task.
"We've had our ups and downs," Harris said. "We've had money problems. We've had some members walk away. But we're still here."
Harris then introduced Jackson - who sat in a middle pew, blending in with the other churchgoers.
Jackson said - addressing the church from behind the podium - that if the Galilee Baptist Church could last 100 years "there is no telling what God can do."
"Building community, that's what this church has done," Jackson said. "We congratulate Rev. (O.C.) Kelly who was the first pastor and we thank this pastor (Harris) for almost four decades of leadership."
Harris became the seventh pastor of the church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on the first Sunday in June 1987.
Harris helped bring hundreds of new members into the church as he set up different training and orientation classes. He also expanded on various Galilee groups and organizations such as the Missionary Society, Ushers Ministry and the Music Department, a church history says.
The Galilee Baptist Church was established in March of 1916 on Church Street in West Trenton. After a few months it expanded into East Trenton, setting up headquarters at the old Jefferson Public School building on Escher Street, the anniversary program said.
The Galilee Baptist Church moved to its current location T 440 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd. in 1956 under Rev. Semuel M. Bagley - who had been appointed pastor in 1935.
A statement was read during the anniversary service from U.S. Sen. Cory Booker.
"Galilee Baptist Church has provided a place for members to gather with their neighbors to worship and preach," Booker's statement read. "Congratulations to this wonderful church."
A member from a Baptist church in Georgia also made an appearance at the March 20 service to congratulate Galilee.
The anniversary celebration will continue into April with various events such as a banquet on April 23 at Erini Restaurant on River Road.
Lindsay Rittenhouse may be reached at lrittenhouse@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.