The Rev. Dr. Frank L. Fowler, III says he was born to be a minister. On Dec. 1, he will also become a Warren County Hall of Famer- the first member of the clergy to be so recognized.

Fowler, along with four other outstanding individuals representing various backgrounds and accomplishments, will be inducted into the  County Hall of Fame when the 9th Annual Hall dinner takes place at Hawk Pointe Golf Club in Washington Township.

The event is presented annually by the WCCC Foundation as a fundraiser for students in need.  In addition to Fowler,  those to be inducted include business woman and Hackettstown Rotarian Marian Bredin, Drs. Marc Abo and James Goodwin, educator/motivational speaker Billy Staples, and Rob Plenge, who will be inducted posthumously. 

Fowler  has been the Senior Pastor at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Hackettstown for 35 years. A native of Hackettstown, Trinity was his home church as a young man. With his leadership, his church has sponsored “mission trips” in the United States and Haiti, bringing good will to those in need.

A leader of his church, Fowler is also considered a leader in the community at-large. Yet he will say he was  “born to be a minister. I am doing what I feel I was called to do – leading a community of faith.  

“I see myself as an orchestra conductor,” he added, “helping people to grow as Christians. I see great joy in that.” 

He earned a bachelor’s from West Virginia University and a masters of divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary. He also earned a Ph.D. degree from New York University.

He lives in Great Meadows with his wife, Karen, and together they have five daughters. 

The event is open to the public.  Tables may be reserved. Proceeds from the event benefit students in need, as well as special programs at the college.

The establishment of the Warren County Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Warren County Community College Foundation, creates a forum for honoring Warren County’s finest in an array of fields. The Hall of Fame itself is set up at Warren County Community College, where the public is invited to see it. For tickets to the recognition dinner, sponsorship opportunities, journal ads, and any other information, call 908-835-2334 or email samir@warren.edu.