By: Richard L. Smith
The township of Irvington will be honoring the legacy of a worthy community supporter for many years of dedication and service to Essex County.
On Saturday, July 22, there will be a street renaming dedication ceremony to remember the late Rev. Dr. Leroy Hodges Sr. At 12pm, all should meet at the designated location of Eastern Parkway and 18th Avenue in Irvington, which was the previous location of Strangers Home Church of God In Christ.
Join Mayor Tony Vauss and Councilman Vern Cox, along with Hodges family members and friends, as they gather to reflect and celebrate the contributions of Rev. Dr. Hodges.
Born and reared in Mississippi, Rev. Hodges decided to come north for more opportunities so he moved his family to Newark, NJ.
He worked in many areas but was drawn to the fields of glass and mirrors. In 1979, he founded the Hodges Glass and Mirror Corporation and began serving many companies and customers throughout the east coast.
This venture paved the way for him to open the first black-owned True Value Hardware store in Newark. He served with dignity and commitment and prided himself on doing great work.
These endeavors allowed him to co-found the Newark Coalition of Small Business Association and the Clinton Avenue Merchants Association of Newark.
He became a member of the Newark Chamber of Commerce, Newark Urban Zone Advisory Committee and received citations and awards from many agencies including the Board of Trustees: United Community Corporation.
In 1980, he felt the calling of the Lord and became an ordained Minister in the Church of God In Christ organization.
He later became an Elder and in 1991, he founded and incorporated Strangers Home Church of God In Christ, the first Church of God in Christ congregation in Irvington.
He was appointed to various positions and also became Chaplain to the Police Department in Newark and Chaplain to the Police Department, Fire Department and the Department of Public Works for Irvington.
It was his dedication to the members, parishioners and neighbors that led him to open the Strangers Home Day Care Centers and create the Strangers Home Community Development Corporation where he provided and supported many efforts on behalf of the community.
“It is our hope that the community joins us as we remember the contributions of this man,” says the family.
“This man was an example of tenacity and commitment to the citizenry of NJ. His life was such a great roadmap that our youth can model as they embark on their path to being future leaders needed to ensure people are a priority.”