Rev. Dr. M. Hughes, Sr., a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has served as Pastor of New Bethel A.M.E. Church since December, 1995. Prior to becoming Pastor of New Bethel he served as Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. church in Ardmore, PA. He also served at Emmanuel A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Malvern, Pa. and Trinity A.M.E. Church in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. Pastor Hughes also served as Assistant Pastor of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rev. Dr. Maurice Hughes was converted on June 12, 1957 at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
On July 18, 1965, Dr. Hughes preached his Trial Sermon at Trinity A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania under the Reverend Dr. William P. Stevenson. He was ordained Itinerant Deacon in May 1971 and was later ordained Itinerant Elder in May 1973. From October 1990 to 1993, Dr. Hughes served as volunteer Chaplain of Mercy Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Currently, he serves as volunteer Chaplain of the Philadelphia Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Chapel of Four Chaplains, and the Philadelphia Police Clergy. Dr. Hughes received his teaching Certificate from the Philadelphia College of Bible and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Gwynedd Mercy College, Ambler, Pennsylvania. Reverend Hughes holds a Master of Divinity Degree also.
Hughes gained the degree from the Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia, a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Trinity Theological Seminary, Newburgh, IN, and an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Sims School of Religion, Monrovia, Liberia.
