By Guy LaLonde Jr
As Lakeland’s Northwest District commissioner, I’m proud to have this wonderful church in the district I serve. Tonya and I were honored to worship with Rev. Dr. Nathan Mugala and the New Bethel church family this morning and celebrate this milestone with them.
It was great to hear a welcome from Florida Southern College President Dr. Jeremy P. Martin and to see Assistant Police Chief Hans Lehman and so many of our Lakeland police officers there to celebrate with the congregation.
The singing and praise dancing were electrifying! Tonya and I could feel the joy in the room. Thank you to everyone who shared their gifts in worship and to the special guests who helped make the morning so memorable.
I especially enjoyed learning how New Bethel AME Church Lakeland got its start right here in Lakeland’s historic Teaspoon Hill neighborhood. Before they had a church building, members gathered for worship in the home of Dan Tillis Threets. In 1916, church trustees bought land for $200, and in 1927 the congregation broke ground on North Dakota Avenue. Imagine what those families would think if they could see New Bethel celebrating 110 years today.
Congratulations to the entire New Bethel family. Thank you for welcoming Tonya and me so warmly. May God continue to bless your church and the generations still to come!