MERLE MONAHAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
merlemonah@aol.com

SUSSEX COUNTY—Jesus Christ New Millennium Church, a non-denominational church founded by the Rev. Dr. Roy H. Bynum, will open its doors to worshipers for the first time on Aug. 31.

Located at 16303 Jerusalem Plank Rd., the church is housed in the former Oak Grove Methodist Church building, and will host its first sermon under its new name at 11 a.m.

“Oh, it is a blessing,” said Bynum in speaking of his new pastorate. “We have been looking forward to this for a long time.”

He stressed that everyone is welcome, regardless of race, creed or former church affiliation.

“Our church is about saving souls and uniting the body of Christ,” he said. “We welcome one and all.”

Bynum, who was born and raised in Capron, was licensed and ordained in 1994 and has been preaching in various venues for about 20 years.

One of 12 children, it actually all began when he was born and the mid-wife held him up and told his mother, ‘Here is your preacher,’ he revealed with a broad smile.

“Of course I couldn’t have known anything then,” Bynum added, “but when I was about 5 or 6, I used to pretend to preach before my brothers and sisters.”

The 63-year-old Bynum always felt the calling, he said, even though he sought degrees in agricultural education, then special education and vocational teaching.

During this time he also earned degrees in divinity and the ministry.

He has worked in the public school system as principal, teacher, director of vocational programs, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and director of special needs programs, to name a few. Bynum retired as an educator for the Department of Correctional Education.

He is excited about his new church.

The building, constructed in 1859 with stained glass windows, a fellowship hall, kitchen and study, seats about 250, and Bynum hopes to have every seat filled before long.

“I’m looking for wonderful things to happen. We are reaching out to Sussex and Southampton counties and the surrounding area,” he said.

“There should not be anyone unsaved or without a church home. We are here for them.”

He expects to have Sunday School, followed by worship service each Sunday and a Wednesday night Bible study class.