Obituary: Reverend Dr. William C. Hall

Reverend Dr. William C. Hall, Pastor of the New Light Baptist Church (NLBC) in Bloomfield and respected church leader nationally, passed away Friday, September 23^rd after a battle with cancer. He served as Pastor of the NLBC for 40 years before stepping down in 2008. 

A wake is scheduled for Friday, September 30^th from 8-10 AM, immediately followed by his home going service at 10 AM at the New Light Baptist Church, 89 Dewey Street in Bloomfield.

Born in 1934, William Chester Hall was a star athlete in Westfield, described by some as the “Black Ted Williams” for his prowess as a left-handed slugging outfielder on the baseball diamond. He also served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army before answering his call to the ministry.

“Dr. Hall came to the New Light Baptist Church at a turbulent time in our nation’s history,” stated Reverend Vernon C. Miller, current Pastor of New Light. “Tension between the races was at an all time high. Rev. Hall successfully helped to unite the community of Bloomfield while always supporting the rights of the underprivileged and oppressed.”

Among his many accomplishments, he successfully oversaw the expansion of New Light Baptist Church, tripling the size of the facility and significantly growing its membership. He also served as treasurer of the Shiloh Baptist Association for many years.

Trustee Rich Goldberg added, “Reverend Hall touched countless lives over his 40 years of dedicated service here in Bloomfield and elsewhere. I anticipate an outpouring of love and appreciation unlike anything ever witnessed in this area. An overflow crowd is certainly anticipated for the service on Friday.” 

Reverend Hall is survived by his loving wife of 53 years-Rosa, sons Aaron and Jerry (Jameela), one granddaughter –Aleisha (Matthew), two great grandchildren-Julian and Justin and one daughter-in-law.