Rev G. Mel Dunn 

Born in Mena, Arkansas, raised in Glendale, Arizona, I arrived at the ferry slip in Bridgeport, New Jersey, a teen aged soldier assigned to the Philadelphia Air Defense Command in August 1959.  Other than a one and a half year military assignment as a Chaplain’s Assistant in the Army post in Dachau, Germany,  from late 1960 until May of 1962, I have made my home in Gloucester County.  I have six children and seven grand children.  My two youngest sons live with me in Bridgeport.

I have felt called to serve God, since I was a 14 year old high school student,   in whatever ways the doors for ministry were opened for me.  I was active as a leader in the Youth for Christ movement in the 1950s.   I spent my time in the military studying at Philadelphia College of Bible, assisting in ministry at Camp Haluwasa in South Jersey and during my time in Dachau, Germany, I was instructed by the military in Church leadership, administration, worship leading, and church music direction.

After my honorable discharge (with a commendation for work beyond the scope of my rank and assignment in the Chapel, from US Army 7^th Corps Command) in 1962, I enrolled in Rutgers University - Class of 1968 with a major in history.   I also began an avocation in Church Worship leadership and choral direction.

I served Calvary Baptist Church, Pitman, NJ, for 25 years,  Chapel United Methodist Church for 12 years, The Pitman Methodist Camp Meeting for 12 years, and Glassboro First UMC as stewardship chairperson and pledge drive chairperson for 3 years.  Assistant to the pastor for one year with Rev Gene Eberheart, and assistant pastor with Rev William Cook for one year. My faithful friend and mentor through the ministry process was the Rev Dr Robert Ralph of Kemble UMC, Woodbury, New Jersey.

During this time I received a BA in history from Rutgers University, graduated from Glassboro State College (MA  -1972 - Education of the Handicapped), and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary  (Mdiv - 2003).   I spent 32 years teaching special classes, slow learners, and adult GED prep classes.   I retired from public education in 2000 and began full time work under appointment in the United Methodist GNJAC.

From 2000-2001 - Assistant Pastor, Glassboro, First UMC

          2001-2007 - Barnsboro/Mt Zion UMC Charge

          2007-Present Bridgeport / Centre Square Charge       

I rejoice every day for the doors opened and the opportunities to minister to God’s people.

"May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the
Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears.
May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced before. May your joys be
 fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a
new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged, I pray for peace, healing,
health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God."