COMFORT FOR life — and death
New Jersey pastor/funeral director helps families throuoh ups and downs
BURLINGTON, N.J. —For Timothy L. Hutton Sr., whether he’s helping families as a church pastor or as a funeral director, it’s all about providing comfort.
He got his start in one his careers — preaching — when he was young.
The son of a pastor of a Methodist church in Pemberton Township, Hutton was a child when his family re-enacted church service in their home. The youngest of five brothers and sisters, he delivered sermons as his sisters sang and his mother played the organ.
“At age 10, I told my dad that I thought the Lord really wanted me to do this — not just play with it, but become serious. And it became serious to me. And so I did,” Hutton said.
He gave his first official sermon at age 10 in his father’s church, and was officially licensed to preach.
Eight years later, he went to work atthew.r.woodyfuneralhome in Burlington City for the late William R. Woody.
Now, more than three decades later, Hutton is celebrating his 10th year as pastor of Second Baptist Church in Mount Holly and, along with his wife, Dawn, recently opened T.L. Hutton Family and Friends Funeral Services.
If it’s not unusual enough for Hutton to be a pastor and a funeral director, consider that the funeral home has joined force with another, Dennison-mcgee Funeral Home, and shares its location as a tenant.
The business moved into the Dennison-mcgee space under what is called a “dual-registration” agreement, approved by the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey, which allows two separate funeral homes to operate under one roof.
Hutton and Richard Dennison Sr., whose relationship spans 14 years, have become well-acquainted over the years. Hutton’s reputation as a pastor helped solidify Dennison’s decision to welcome him.
“I think it’s very beneficial for his families, because he’s very trustworthy. And as a pastor, he has over the years helped people that have lost loved ones. He’s been in that role as a pastor assisting and comforting families, so it doubles the value for him (and) for the families he serves,” said Dennison, who opened his first funeral home more than 40 years ago.
In 2006, Hutton became a licensed funeral director and took over as manager at W.R. Woody a year later. Hutton retired in September after 10 years, but he began searching for a new endeavor after encouragement from friends and family.
The Huttons have eight children and have fostered and adopted children throughout their marriage. They said operating a funeral home is just an extension of the care and compassion they have for people.
“Most of the time I tell people, ‘When I leave you, all you have to do is put your obituary together and give me the clothes.’ That’s it. We’ll take care of everything else,” Hutton said.