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Community Corner

Christmas Eve Service Returns to Galloway's Oldest Church

The service is Saturday night, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.

Another Christmas Day is coming, and with it comes the traditional Christmas Eve Service at

This year’s service, which takes place on Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., is highlighted by the musical performance of “Carol Fantasia,” by adult and youth choirs in concert with audience participation.

One could say the Emmaus United Methodist Church’s Christmas Eve service is almost as old as the country itself.

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The year was 1790. The Revolutionary War had ended in 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The fledging nation was striving to show the world that it could survive on its own.

In that same year, 12 people came together under the supervision of what was known as the Salem Circuit to found the Emmaus United Methodist Church in what would become the historic town of Smithville, New Jersey.

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Located at 706 East Moss Mill Road and Route 9 in Galloway Township, church membership numbers approximately 100 today. Richard Leeds, the church’s first pastor, held the position for a long-standing record of 66 years. The Reverend Delloyd A. Green has served the church in that position since 2005.

The present church sanctuary was constructed in 1869, just four years after the Civil War ended. The Sunday school rooms and fellowship hall were built some years later. The church’s exterior and steeple were restored a few years ago, the parking lot was expanded, and the friendly congregation welcomes visitors to worship with them throughout the year.

Emmaus United Methodist Church is active in its service to the community. A Boy Scout meeting is held on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. Their prayer and Bible study is held Tuesdays at 7 p.m. They also support the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. Their annual winter coat drive on behalf of the mission is going on now through the end of January.

Another special outreach involves an organization known as H.O.P.E., which stands for “Helping Other People Evolve.” It is a program for widows and widowers designed to help them cope with their loss and to move on with their lives. Classes are 12 weeks long, and two different sessions are held at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the church on Wednesdays. If you or someone you know might benefit from this program, you may call Nancy McKenney, the program coordinator, at 609-652-7232 to find out when the next class will begin.

For  more information about the church, call 609-748-1917.

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