Church of the Master to celebrate 50 years

By TAYLOR M. LIER

Staff Writer

HOWELL A half-century of worship is being celebrated as a house of worship rings in its 50th anniversary.

The Church of the Master, 110 Salem Hill Road, Howell, will celebrate 50 years of serving the community at 11 a.m. Nov. 23 with a special worship service to be followed by a luncheon at Our House Restaurant.

For Howell native Phil DeFusco, the 50th anniversary of his childhood place of worship is exciting.

I grew up in Howell and still live here today, and I have been going to the church since I was about 4 years old. I am so proud of what it has become, DeFusco said.

The Church of the Master began as a mission church of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, Newark, in 1961, according to DeFuscos wife, Kathie.

At the time, Howell was a growing community, and money was approved to begin a church in this area, she said.

The churchs first service was held at the Land O Pines School on Jan. 6, 1963. The congregation grew and plans were eventually made for the construction of a permanent home. On Nov. 24, 1964, the Church of the Master, being approved by the Board of Missions, was opened.

In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church combined to form the United Methodist Church, according to DeFusco. The Church of the Master became part of the Southern New Jersey Conference.

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Church of the Master to celebrate 50 years