THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM
The Christian Recorder
APRIL 2022
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BETHEL AME CHURCH IN SETAUKET, NEW YORK SERVES COMMUNITY BY OPERATING FARM By Cynthia Shepherd, 1st Episcopal District
The Historical Bethel Hobbs Community Farm in Centereach, New York, owned by Bethel AME Church – Setauket, is the last African American-owned farm on Long Island. Now operating as a non-profit organization, it uses its 11-acres of farmland to feed Long Islanders and has been doing so for decades! In 1906 James Hobbs, his wife, and eight children moved from Macon, Georgia, to a small Long Island community known as New Village. James began farming in the area and, in 1927, purchased land which became known as Hobbs Farm. Much of the produce harvested at that time was sold to New York City markets. After his death in 1929, the family continued to work the farm, with his son Alfred Hobbs taking ownership in 1955. Alfred Hobbs farmed his property for many years and rented farmland in the surrounding area to grow specific crops. He passed up many opportunities to sell the property, hoping it would always remain a farm. When Alfred Hobbs died in 1996 at age 90, he bequeathed the farm property to the Bethel AME Church in Setauket, Long Island, where he was a member. His only stipulation was that the 11-acres of land had to remain farmland. The farm has now been renamed the Bethel Hobbs Community Farm. In 2007, Friends of Hobbs Farm was formed, which led to establishing a 501(c)(3). Today the Bethel Hobbs Community Farm is operated entirely by volunteers. Through their hard work and assistance from donors, the farm grows and harvests an average of 30,000 pounds of fresh, organically grown produce annually. This produce is then donated to local food pantries and soup kitchens on Long Island. To support the work of the farm, it also offers Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) memberships which allow members to receive a weekly share of nutritionally dense organic produce grown on the farm, harvested, and packed the same day for delivery. In addition, the farm offers educational programs, community events, and a seasonal farm stand where the community can purchase organic produce at reasonable prices. THE FARM HAS FIVE DISTINCT AREAS: • THE MEMORIAL GARDEN: Is at the front or south end of the property. It is a quiet, shaded area with flowers, beautiful greenery, and a peaceful waterfall to aid in entering the presence of God while remembering those who have passed on. • THE REVEREND GREGORY LEONARD EDUCATION GARDEN: This area hosts educational events on farming and the nutritional value of organic produce for small groups. • THE GREENHOUSE: The Greenhouse allows the farm to begin and extend its growing season during colder months. • THE GARDEN OF EPHRAIM: This garden is wheelchair accessible with beautiful, paved areas with raised planting beds. There is also street access directly into the Garden of Ephraim and a shaded area to protect from sun sensitivity. This area ensures that all who want to experience the blessings of farmland have an opportunity to do so safely. • THE FOOD PANTRY DONATION AREA: This area of the farm is the main growing area consisting of several acres of organic produce.
The Bethel Hobbs Community Farm is successful because of the selfless efforts of all the volunteers who enable the farm to fulfill its mission. Their devotion to the farm contributes to its success. As a result, the farm shines as a symbol of hope and resilience. However, we always need more help in assisting the farm with its mission to restore the land to its original use, create a permanent retreat and education center on-site, and honor the Hobbs family legacy. Bethel Hobbs Community Farm welcomes your support as we continue to “plant seeds of hope.” If you are in the area or desire to visit and plan a volunteer day, please contact Brother Larry Corbett at larrycorbett7@ optonline.net or Brother Ron Manning
at roncmanning17@gmail.com. Brother Corbett and Brother Manning are members of Bethel AME Church and on the Bethel Hobbs Community Farm Board of Directors. If you are interested in donating to assist with the work of ministry on the farm, please make your checks payable to Bethel AME Church, with Bethel Hobbs Farm in the memo. Checks can be sent to 33 Christian Avenue, Setauket, New York, or use our Cashapp $BethelSetauket, and place Bethel Hobbs Farm in the memo field. Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration and prayers for the farms’ continued success in feeding the hungry.
Mrs. Cynthia Shepherd is the Christian Education director of Bethel AME Church, Setauket, New York.
REV. DR. EMILYGAIL DILL APPOINTED TO THE SENATE OF BERMUDA AND JUNIOR MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY OF TRANSPORT On February 16, 2022, the Rev. Dr. Emilygail Dill was appointed to serve as a senator in Bermuda and as the junior minister of National Security and Transport. The Rev. Dr. Dill was educated at The Berkeley Institute and Sandys Secondary School. Her Bachelor of Arts was in English and Secondary Education from the esteemed Spelman College in Atlanta, with a minor in Music and Theater. She later obtained her Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theology Center in Atlanta with a concentration in Leadership Development and Pastoral Counseling. Senator Rev. Dr. Dill completed her doctorate in Leadership Development and Organization Dynamics from the UnitedTheological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and her Human Resources Director Certification from Cornell University. Bermuda’s Premier David Burt said, “I welcome the Rev. Dr. Emily Gail Dill to the Senate and congratulate her on her appointment as a junior minister. She has answered a call to serve at an important time in Bermuda, and I am grateful for her willingness to embark on this new facet of her already extensive public service.” She brings to her appointments as senator and junior minister considerable strengths in the arts, education, and ministry and genuine empathy for the needs of others. Her record of work and success with Bermuda’s youth through the Alternative Education programme will add to the dedicated team at the Ministry of National Security who are focused on tackling the root causes of gang violence. The Rev. Dr. Dill is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. She is the recent former 1st Episcopal District Women in Ministry president, dean of the Ministerial Institute of the Bermuda Annual Conference, married to Presiding Elder Rev. Howard Dill, senior pastor of Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sandys, Bermuda, where she serves as assistant pastor.
