by Rachel Rogish

“The difference between what you were yesterday and what you will be tomorrow is what you do today.” ~ Stephen Pierce

Angels on Earth Touching One Life at a Time at Angel Visit Baptist Church

BY RACHEL ROGISH

“We’re here to serve the people,” Pamela Hills said as a cold wind blew up Garfield Avenue. It was a blustery January day outside but inside the food pantry of Angel Baptist Church, it was warm and bright.

The warmth glowed on the faces of those who gave much-needed items, and the light found reflection in the faces of those who gratefully received them.

Standing since 1916, Angel Visit Baptist Church continues to serve the community and the residents of Cape May County. According to Deacon Charles Statesman, three African American churches have existed in Wildwood since the town’s formation: Methodist, Holiness, and Baptist. Each congregation settled in various neighborhoods, seeking to meet the needs found there. Primarily, the spiritual needs of the community and church family are paramount.

For members Pamela Hills and Juanita Jones, their roots run deep in the church.

“I grew up in this church,” Pamela said.

In the sanctuary, stained glass windows line the walls. One of the windows bears the name “Robinson,” which belongs to Pamela’s family. The names etched into the glass panes keep precious memories and history alive.

Juanita also grew up attending Angel Visit. She taught at Wildwood High School for many years and recently began to substitute teaching again. Juanita still pours herself into the young people of Wildwood, advocating for better housing, family structure, and after-school programs. Both Juanita and her sister, Jennifer, graduated from Wildwood High School (respectively the classes of 1965 and 1970, see photos in this issue)

They look to their mother’s legacy as an inspiration of faith and serving others. Loretta Jones came to Wildwood as a small child from Atlantic City; she worked at the well-loved Rosella clothing store, located on Pacific Avenue. “It’s home,” Juanita said. Yet, for Juanita, Pamela, and Charles, their church home is not only a connection to the past but the path forward. The church’s food pantry serves several local families both on and off the island. During the lockdown of 2020, volunteers kept the doors open every day. “It’s still a tough time for a lot of people,” Charles said. The food items are provided by the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Fresh meats, canned goods, and shelfstable foods lined the neatly organized shelves and freezers. Charles, who serves as both a deacon and interim pastor, anticipates future church growth. Although small in number, Charles says the church family is great in their collective love for God and one another. “The Lord’s been good,” Charles said, smiling. He celebrated 21 years at Angel Visit and has served as a deacon since 2009. Charles came to Wildwood after leaving the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. He walked into a service at Angel Visit and hasn’t looked back since. “It felt like home,” Charles said. “I just walked in.”

Congregations across the globe still deal with the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Yet, for the family at Angel Visit, they rest upon a steady foundation while looking to the future. Charles seeks to draw younger people into the fold and see the “seed planted with them.”

Worship with Angel Visit on Sundays at 10:45am at 435 W. Garfield Ave. Wildwood, NJ 609-522-0056

Angel Visit Baptist Church Community Food Bank

Juanita, Pamela & Jennifer, the Angel power team!

Johnnye & Rose with Ed “Chip”Harshaw a member of the Buffalo Soldiers who help transport the food for the pantry. Read about the Buffalo Soldiers in next issue due out July 7th, 2022. Rayna, Dakari & Sandra who has 27 grandchildren

Volunteer David Durhan helps carry heavy bags for all who come for food