GLENN WESLEY SPENCER

The Rev. Glenn Wesley Spencer, 57, of Newfield passed away peacefully Sunday evening, Oct. 25, 2009, at his home. Born in Aberdeen, Md., he was the son of the late Glenn W. Spencer and the late Anna L. Spencer (George). He has been residing in Malaga Camp since 1995. Glenn graduated from Deptford High School in 1970 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in speech from Asbury College in Wilmar, Ky. Soon after, he attended Washington Wesley Theological Seminary, where he earned his master's degree in divinity. After college, he was ordained a deacon of the Methodist Church in 1978, and soon was raised to an elder in 1979. He had served as a Methodist minister at First United Methodist Church in Bridgeton, Dennisville United Methodist, South Dennisville United Methodist, John Wesley United Methodist, Millville Fourth United Methodist, Newcombtown United Methodist, Avon by the Sea United Methodist and, lastly, First United Methodist Church of Bradley Beach. The Rev. Spencer also had served as chaplain for the Chapel at Malaga Camp, and was a board member of Cumberland Christian School in Vineland. Throughout his years of religious devotion, he believed "there is no greater title or degree than to be a dad." His greatest love was for his son, and he enjoyed the time watching him grow and become what God has intended for him. In the Rev. Spencer's free time, he enjoyed refurnishing furniture. He is survived by one son, Vincent Paul Spencer of Newfield; one brother, Henry A. Spencer and his wife Christine Louise of Salem; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 7 p.m. Thursday at Christ Community Church, 201 Salem Ave., Newfield, with the Rev. Jerry Ruff and the Rev. Tony Wilson officiating. Cremation and inurnment took place at Laurel Lawn Crematory in Upper Deerfield Township. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service, at 6 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the Rev. Spencer's memory to the West Jersey Grove Association (Malaga Camp), P.O. Box 419, Newfield, NJ 08344; or to Christ Community Church, P.O. Box 736, Newfield, NJ 08344. Written condolences and tributes may be offered to the family via the funeral home's Web site, www.freitagfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St., Bridgeton.