The 2025 Special Meetings in Wharton, New Jersey, were held from August 17-24, and were centered on the theme “Ask for the Old Paths” (Jeremiah 6:16). The meetings were preceded by a week of prayer, seeking God’s leading and the removal of every hindrance to revival.

On the opening Sunday morning, the orchestra played “The Old Rugged Cross” and “The Old-Time Fire,” followed by the choir singing “The Old-Fashioned Meeting.” Glory Thomas, pastor in Orlando, Florida, read the theme text and exhorted the congregation to stay on the old paths of the Gospel. He warned against lowering God’s Word for personal gain and reminded the congregation that the Gospel is not head knowledge, but heart knowledge. Regardless of status or influence, those who fail to walk in God’s way face a Christless eternity. He urged the audience to develop and maintain a wholehearted and undivided commitment to the Lord.

In the evening service, the orchestra played “The Old Time Way,” then the choir sang “Let the Fire Fall,” followed by testimonies of victory. Brother Glory again read Jeremiah 6:16, urging the saints to serve God in faithfulness and devotion. He reminded everyone that God notices even small deviations from the old paths, but He is ready to save when we repent and return to Him.

Monday and Tuesday featured archived playbacks highlighting God’s blessings on the Wharton church over the past fifteen years, with a focus on the 2016 transition from Teaneck to Wharton. Monday’s documentary, “Memory Lane,” revisited that transition through orchestra music, choir renditions, and congregational singing. Tuesday’s feature, “Echoes from the Past,” included special songs and sermon excerpts preached in 2016.

Bible Teachings were held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. On Wednesday, a piano prelude of “Constantly Abiding” and a quartet rendition of “The Old Account Settled” set the tone. Akinola Fawole taught on restitution from Leviticus 6:1-7, emphasizing its necessity, citing Biblical examples, and sharing the blessings of obedience in this matter.

On Thursday, Janelle Parker played “There Is a Fountain” on the piano. The last special was “How Firm a Foundation” before Byron Parker, from Chehalis, Washington, delivered the teaching on “What We Have Proved.” He read from Malachi 3:10 and reviewed the seventeen doctrines of the Apostolic Faith Church. He shared personal experiences, testimonies, and examples that demonstrated how these truths have been proven both in the past and today.

Friday evening’s evangelistic service began with a violin solo, followed by the choir singing “I’ve Got an Old-Time Religion Down in My Heart.” Brother Byron preached from Deuteronomy 6:4-7, urging the church to uphold the old-time religion without shame and to continue in the things they have learned.

A marriage seminar was held on Saturday morning, where the Parkers shared personal experiences that strengthened their marriage. Brother Byron stressed the importance of marrying a believer and applying godly principles in marital decisions. He also answered questions during the session.

That evening, a musical concert themed “That Good Old Gospel Song” featured the orchestra, choir, and youth choirs. Additional performances included a mixed quartet, a female solo with string accompaniment, and a cello solo. The choir closed with “The Old-Time Religion” and “The Old Country Church.” 

The final Sunday morning service began with the orchestra playing “Hymn Medley” and the choir singing “The Sweetest Song I Know.” Following the last special, Brother Byron read from Genesis 26:17-19. He talked of Isaac reopening the wells of Abraham rather than digging new ones, urging the congregation to remain faithful to the ancient truths of God’s Word. He emphasized that though men have tried to silence the Gospel, God has preserved it down through the years. He expressed gratitude for faithful leaders like Martin Luther, John Wesley, and Florence Crawford in preserving the old-time religion.

The special meetings concluded with a Sunday evening farewell service. The orchestra played “The Bible Stands,” and the choir sang “Salvation Has Been Brought Down.” Following the testimonies and choir, Brother Byron read from Acts 20:36, reflecting on Paul’s farewell to the saints. He intimated that Christian farewells should be filled with the hope of reunion and encouraged that God will continue to work in lives and prosper souls as the attendees return to their home churches.

Throughout the week, daily prayer meetings were held at 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Attendance, participation, and the blessings received exceeded expectations and only Heaven has the full record. There was a quiet and sweet spirit experienced throughout the meetings. The earnest prayer is that God will keep the saints on the “Old Paths” and find each one ready for His imminent return.