Our History

The beginning of our church started in the year 1926 when its founder the late Mother Janie Jordan (whom we affectionately called granny) began having Cottage meeting in her home along with her husband Deacon James Jordon. The family consisted of eight children namely; Cassie, Hattie, Herman, James, Virginia, Evelyn, Pinky and Emily. Through mothers devoted prayer, along with others, Sister Anderson, Pop Jordon, Minister Anderson, the membership began to grow. The work began to grow to large for Mother Jordan to handle so she sent for a minister which was her brother Rev. Frank Bennett of Orange, New Jersey. He was the first pastor of the Cottage Meetings. He was here a short while then moved on. Mother was courageous, faithful and fervent in spirit. She was an example of the things she said and taught. Give her of the fruit of her hand, and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:31.

Reverend Manzy Hall was the second minister to become pastor of the Cottage Meetings which later was called Mt. Carmel Church. He resided in Trenton New Jersey. During the time he pastured, the church worshiped in a building called Mondays Church. A man called Mr. Monday just happened to be the owner of the building so the named the building Mondays Church but the church name was still Mt. Carmel Church. Reverend Manzy Hall was the pastor for one year only, from 1927 to 1928.

Reverend William Mills was the third pastor sent. He came from Camden, New Jersey. He came as a Nehemiah. He was led to build God a church house. Under his pastorate, the structure of the church began under the Church of God in Christ. This was begun on the 4th day of July 1928. The church flourished and many souls were blessed of the Lord and added to the church. Reverend William Mills pastored from 1928 to 1930.

Reverend A. E. Evans, who hailed from the shores of Atlantic City, New Jersey, he became the fourth pastor of The Mount Carmel church. Under him, the church building was wired for electricity. He pastured from 1930 to 1933.

Reverend C. H. Cotton served as the Associate Bishop for the State of New Jersey for the Church of God in Christ. He became the fifth pastor. He hailed from Virginia, a very quiet and meek-looking man, but we found also that he had some lion in him. By that we mean he had a strong spirit and the will power to move forward. Under his leadership, another portion of the church was added. He pastored at Mt. Carmel Church for 29 years. Seven pastors have gone out of this church to pastors were other churches in God’s vineyard because of his dynamic leadership. He pastored from 1933 to 1961.

Reverend Elijah A. Reid became the sixth pastor of Mt. Carmel Church in the year of 1961. He began his Christian journey as a very young man. He enjoyed working at Mt. Carmel his local church serving in any way he could, sweeping and cleaning the church and cutting firewood for the old wood stove that the church had for heating at that time. In the month of September 1974, he said that God had given him the vision to build a new edifice for his people. He started out the fourth week in September on this gigantic task, and by the help of God and His Grace, we marched in on the fourth Sunday in September 1976. The church was renamed “Greater Mt. Carmel Church of God in Church”. On January 20th, 1999 the Pastor Elder Elijah Reid resigned as Pastor of Greater Mount Carmel Church of God in Christ and passed the baton of leadership to Elder Mark Reid, our present pastor.

Late Pastor Elijah Alexander Reid

Rev. Elijah A. Reid had begun his Christian journey as a very young man. He enjoyed working his local church serving in any way he could, sweeping and cleaning the church and cutting firewood for the old wood stove that the church had for heating at that time. In his childhood, he was under three Pastors: Rev. Wm. Mills, Rev. A.E. Evans and thirdly and last Bishop C.H. Cotton who was his Pastor for 30 years here in Berlin, New Jersey. He serves as local Y.P.W.W. President, S.S. Supt., and Deacon. Later on, he was called to the ministry. Bishop Cotton watched his faithfulness and chose him to serve as his Assistant Pastor, this he did for thirteen years. When Bishop Cotton left as the Pastor in Berlin he appointed Rev. Reid to fill his place as Pastor. His high principals, moral character, love for the people, love for God and the Church had won for him esteem and recognition as a leader among all people. Rev. Reid had served the District as Y .P .W. W. President, Sunday School Supt. and as Camden District Superintendent. He also had served under Bishop Courtney as the State Executive Secretary. He was also a first-class carpenter and a licensed Barber in the State of New Jersey. He attended elementary school in East and West Berlin, New Jersey. He attended High School at Haddonfield Memorial High School, Haddonfield, New Jersey. He had also served as a Civic Club President for the community of Berlin at one time and was an ambulance driver and attendant for the community where he lived. His mother was Mother U.V. Prisby, one of the old pioneers of the State of New Jersey.

Born to him and his late wife, Mrs. Susie M. Toomer Reid, were twelve children; six boys and six girls, all who are living. Elder Reid had been pastoring since 1961. In the month of September 1974, he said that God had given him the vision to build a new edifice for his people. He started out the fourth week in September on this gigantic task, and by the help of God and His Grace, we marched in on the fourth Sunday in September 1976. May God continue to bless this great man. After the passing of his first wife, Elder Reid remarried to Mrs. Catherine Neal Reid.