Apostle Woody Celebrates 25 Years of Ministry

By Journalist Dr. Ms. Jones

NEWBURGH – Twenty-five years of ministry, community service, sacrifice, and faithfulness were celebrated Sunday, September 27th, as The Cathedral at the House held a Pre-Anniversary Fellowship honoring Apostle Jeffrey C. Woody and his quarter-century of service to the church and community. Elder Ada Freeman served as emcee for the celebration, which brought together clergy, church members, family, friends, singers, dancers, and guests for an afternoon of praise, worship, music, preaching, and fellowship.

“Twenty-five years of service to the community and to the Kingdom,” said Freeman. “We honor you, Bishop.”

Elder Dena Walker led the congregation in praise and worship, while Evangelist Teresa Heglar offered prayer, asking God to fill the sanctuary with His presence and bring the worshippers together in unity.

“We invite You to come in, O God,” Heglar prayed as she called upon God for healing and invoked the blood of Jesus.

Elder Freeman followed with the Scripture reading from Psalm 96:1-4, calling upon the congregation to “sing unto the Lord a new song,” declare His glory and recognize that the Lord is “great and greatly to be praised.” The guest speaker for the fellowship was Bishop Dr. James Hassell, pastor and founder of Kingdom Christian Cultural Center in Yonkers, who is originally from Newburgh and also has a Newburgh ministry location at Grand and First Streets. Hassell’s connection to Woody stretches back decades.

“I’ve known him since [I was] in middle school,” said Hassell. “He’s always been a mentor, and to see what God has built through him here and the people, my friends, who are here ministering with him, it’s just great to see his faithfulness.”

Hassell also recalled knowing Woody through the many roles he has held over the years.

“I bless God for Apostle,” said Hassell. “I knew him as teacher and vice principal and pastor and bishop and choir master and apostle—he’s been that his whole life.”

The celebration soon shifted into high gear as Hassell declared, “We’re gonna have a little church. We came to have church.”

Hassell took his place at the organ as the choir he brought with him rendered two musical selections. His wife joined the choir in singing, and praise dancers also ministered before Hassell delivered a powerful sermon titled “Stop Flinching & Start Flexing!” Using Philippians 1:28 and breaking the passage down through Eugene Peterson’s The Message Bible, Hassell challenged the congregation to stop allowing fear to dictate their response to problems, opposition, health concerns, financial difficulties, and other challenges.

“The time for flinching is over… Stop dodging your problems. Stop dodging your enemies,” declared Hassell as he stressed that believers should face adversity knowing that the victory has already been secured. “We war not for victory. We war from victory.”

In an interview following the service, Hassell explained why he believed the message was needed.

“I wanted to encourage the people in a city where it’s dark here,” said Hassell. “The intimidation of the enemy—to keep going… people leaving and all kinds of attacks on the church—the Lord said, ‘Tell them to stop and don’t be fearful.’ I think the church needs to hear that.”

His sermon went beyond overcoming fear. Hassell challenged Christians to live with integrity, remain united, and recognize that their conduct affects the credibility of the Gospel.

“Your greatest praise is not in your hallelujah; it’s in how you stand,” he told the congregation as he urged churches to move beyond competition and division and work together to make an impact in their communities. “When we unite, the power of God rests on us together in ways that it would not rest on us individually.”

Hassell also introduced his new hardcover book, Dear Son, which focuses on 17 keys to Kingdom manhood and was written especially with young Black men and their families in mind.

“I wrote this for young Black men and their families to understand what manhood is supposed to look like right now in this country,” said Hassell, who has written 12 books this year alone and signed copies following the service. “It’s my story. You’re going to read things in this book about Newburgh. It’s my life.”

For Woody, the Pre-Anniversary Fellowship provided an opportunity to reflect upon a journey that began 25 years ago.

“It feels wonderful to know that I made it this far… I’m grateful to God. He’s blessed us,” said Woody, who said community outreach has remained an important part of his ministry throughout those years. “We started off feeding the community, giving them clothes, and so that’s our niche. We found our spot in the community, so we continue to do that.”

That service includes a farmers market the ministry has operated for 16 years, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the community. Through fundraising and grants, Woody also secures funding to provide $10 vouchers to help community members purchase fresh produce. Over 25 years, Woody has watched some people grow up, relocate, and even launch ministries of their own, but the work at The Cathedral at the House has continued.

“People grew up. People moved away. People started ministries,” said Woody. “But we’re still here. God is still blessing. He’s still adding on.”

The celebration ended as many church gatherings do—with food, fellowship, and conversation, as attendees gathered for a meal in the fellowship hall. This fellowship was part of the celebration rather than its conclusion. Bishop-Elect Damon L. Mack of The Live Church in Mount Vernon is scheduled to join the congregation on October 11th as the 25th anniversary observance continues. After 25 years, Woody’s reflection remained simple: he is grateful to still be standing, still serving, and still carrying out the ministry that God called him to do.

Journalist Ms. Jones