Church History: The Bridgeton Methodist Church was established on May 3, 1904 by missionary group of 15 members of centenary UMC in New Bern. They brought with them a huge bell which still rings Sunday mornings to announce the beginning of worship.
The church facilities were expanded with the opening of the Education Annex in 1953. The original frame church building was renovated and brick faced in 1955. A new parsonage was completed in 1962, and our new Fellowship building was built in 1991.
As of 2017 a Pantry Annex was added to our facilities.
Hello!
My name is Joshua Nichols. I was born and raised in Bridgeton and was baptized in this very church as an infant. My father was called into ministry from this congregation and my mother and I joined him at his various congregations over the years. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, I spent much of my time in the church or working for the church by way of missions, VBS, choir, acolyte, or any number of other functions. After high school, I felt a calling to ministry, but I was hesitant to follow. I eventually joined Basic Law Enforcement Training in 2016 and graduated in 2017. For just over 6 years, I have served local communities in both municipal and county law enforcement. In that time, I learned much about the state of the world and the constant groaning of all creation for our risen savior. It was also during this season of my life that I met my wonderful wife, Autumn. In the Lenten season of 2021, God reminded me of the calling on my life for ministry and I began the process of becoming a minister. I became a licensed local pastor with Reelsboro Methodist Church in the summer of 2022 and it has truly been a blessing. I was recently given the honor and privilege of becoming the pastor of Bridgeton Methodist Church as well, coming back home to serve the first church I was ever in.
I am currently a student pastor, completing my education through the Course of Study for the GMC. My greatest joy in ministry is being able to lead the people of God to a closer and more devoted walk by way of teaching and the sacraments. By our Wesleyan heritage, we have been given the rich liturgical and theological traditions of the ancient church through our connection to our Anglican roots, and we have been given a charismatic spirit which drives us ever onward and forward in love, devotion, and service to the whole creation of God.
May the peace of Christ go with you all! Rev. Joshua Nichols