CAMDEN NJ - Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church

The following is derived from
The Centennial History of Camden Methodism
published in 1909

HISTORY OF THE
Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church
OF CAMDEN, N. J.

In the year 1884 a mission, located on Pine street near Locust, Which, had been under the care of Fifth Street M.E. Church for some time, not proving very successful was transferred to the care of Broadway church.

It was then known as Eagle Hall Mission and was taken in charge by George Davis, who conducted a successful Sunday school in connection with the Mission work.

Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church - 1885

In 1885 the property on Pine street was sold for $700.00 and a lot purchased at the Southwest corner of Third and Beckett streets. On this corner a very pretty and substantial church building was erected at a cost of $5191.27. It was dedicated in October 1885 as the Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church, but it continued for five years as a Mission under the care of Broadway church. The services were conducted by Local Preachers connected with that church usually Dr. Street or Daniel B. Green until the year 1887.

In that year the Conference appointed Rev. H. N. Cheeseman to this charge in which he continued for three years, Rev. S. H. Hann succeeding him in 1890 at which time Broadway church conveyed the property to the Wiley M. E. Church organization free of all debt except a mortgage of $2,500.00.

During the third year of the pastorate of Rev. S. H. Hann a very comfortable parsonage was erected on the Third street lot adjoining the church at a cost of $2,600.00. The sum of $1,000.00 was raised and paid in cash on the operation and a mortgage for $1,600.00 placed on the property.

The Rev. J. E. Willey became pastor in 1893 and was followed in 1896 by Rev. W. A. Massey who served the charge for three years, he being succeeded for two years by Rev. H. S. Gascoyne.

In 1901 Rev. C. I. Fitzgeorge became pastor and under his leadership the first determined effort was made to reduce the indebtedness on the property the result being a reduction of $500.00 before his pastorate ended in 1904.

When Rev. Alfonso Dare became pastor he found the church, a frame building which had weathered the storms of two decades and had been very much neglected, greatly in need of repairs 'as well as being quite incapable of accommodating the large and increasing Sunday school connected with the church.

Rev. Alfonso Dare

As soon as sufficient funds were secured to warrant doing so, a, reconstruction and improvement of the property was commenced. The building was raised, the basement being made into a very comfortable Sunday school room with library, class room and kitchen.

The cost of these improvements with furnishings secured at this time amounted to $3,751.39 all of which together with $400.00 of the previous indebtedness was paid in full during the three years in which Rev. A. Dare remained as pastor of the church. His pastorate was noted for activity along all lines, a spirit of revival was strong throughout, and the church progressed spiritually and in numbers, as well as being placed in good financial condition.

The Rev. W. S. Ludlow, the present pastor, took charge in 1907.


Rev. H. N. Cheeseman	Rev. W.S. Ludlow

Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church - 1909

Wiley has been noted throughout its history for its spirituality and many very successful revival seasons have been witnessed within her precincts.

Her Sunday school work has been carried on by faithful Superintendents as follows: George Davis, to 1888; P.D. Hughes, from that time to 1907; and by John Delamater, Jr., to the present time.

Four young men trained in our Sunday schools have gone forth to preach the Gospel: Charles Gray, Isaac Christman, Joseph Fullerton, and Arthur J. Lumley.

Official Board of Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church - 1909

From Left: William Bradshaw - Rev. W.S. Ludlow - William Prosser - Samuel O. Godfrey

Top: Joseph Ward - John Allen - Ferdinand S. Smith - John Barber - John Delameter
Bottom: Albert Knox - S.P. Hutchinson - Sedgewick R. Devault

The Quarterly Conference of the church at this time is as follows:

Pastor, Rev. W. S. Ludlow; Exhorter, Albert Knox; Class leaders, S. P. Hutchinson, John Delamater, Jr.; Secretary of Official Board, John Barnett ; Treasurer, Ferdinand S. Smith ; President Board of Trustees, S. R. Devault ; President Ladies' Aid, Mrs. W. Conine; Stewards, W. D. Bruce, J. N. Conne, William Conine, F. J. Tushingham, E.M. E. Stone, Horace Heulings, Joseph Ward, John Allen; Trustees, Arthur Heron, James Heron, Samuel W. Barrett, Samuel O. Godfrey, William Prosser, James Bishop.

Additional Notes

Rev. Ludlow was succeeded as pastor by Rev. John R. Read, who was serving in that position in 1910. Rev. Read's son, Sergeant Major J. Howard Read, after surviving the fighting during World War I, died in France of pneumonia in 1919.

In March of 1927 Rev. John S. Hackett was assigned as Pastor to revitalize and lead Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church. Therefore, he found himself concerned not only with the spiritual needs of his congregation, but greatly involved in the many needs of the community who at that time were suffering with deprivation. He and his small congregation began to deal with those problems. The first program set up a breakfast for school children. This advanced into a feeding program for whole families which included an evening meal. By 1934 Wiley was caring for as many as four hundred men per day in the Old Post Office Building in Camden. A radio broadcast began in the 1930s as well. In 1935, a lady came to Rev. Hackett and told him that the Lord had impressed her that a ministry to the aging should be included in the ministry of Wiley Mission. With the help of a faithful congregation, he proceeded to set up this plan. Mother Johnson became the first resident and was the inspiration for this work in its care for the weak and infirm.

On April 19, 1939 the outreach to the needy had grown to such proportions that it was necessary to incorporate the Wiley Mission. It was granted a charter on that date under the church act of the State of New Jersey. The church on South 3rd Street itself was no longer active by the time the 1940 City Directory was published, however.

In 1940 Wiley began to dedicate all of its efforts in health care to those in sunset years. A permanent location was established in Marlton, New Jersey.

Woven throughout this ministry is a philosophy of care that has never been lost over the years. When the founders of this work looked out of the parsonage window one day and saw two little children salvaging their breakfast out of a garbage can, Pastor Hackett said, "We will hit that thing!" This ministry has worked diligently and sincerely to alleviate the distress of poverty, the crippling of disease, and the weakness of the aging and infirm ever since.

Today Wiley Mission continues to dedicate itself to this philosophy of care. The Board of Trustees and congregation of Wiley Mission, intend to emphasize that this is a Christ-centered ministry, ministering to all. Some will have differing needs. Their background and economical standings will be different as well. Many will indicate certain spiritual desires, but to all there will be a program of care that will exalt and glorify the Lord Jesus and make Him known to men..

Camden Courier-Post - January 2, 1928

PREACHERS AND POLICE

The year end crop of crime in the city was too big.

Within twenty-four hours, two women were attacked and robbed on the street; seven homes and stores were looted.

The Director of Public Safety “hadn’t heard about it” when the Courier rang him up to ask him what the police were going to do about it.

This attitude of indifference, of superiority to criticism, of rejection of responsibility, is as much out of place in a city government as a loved one’s hair in your soup.

It is not the fault of active police but of the city department that supervises them. Not of Chief Tatem, but of Commissioner Rohne.

* * * * *

As if made to order for the benefit if Rev. John S. Hackett, pastor of the Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church came the story “Huge Dope Ring Blasted with Four Arrests.”

The arrest of those charged with being accomplices of Anthony “Babe” Paradise, alleged head of the narcotic ring, occurred in a barbershop three blocks away from Pastor Hackett’s church.

Pastor Hackett asserted people of a neighborhood know what is going on in it, but that apparently police do not.

Commissioner Rohne invited the pastor to adopt the Commissioner’s self service plan of police work, citizens to make sworn charges.

The preacher refused naturally. He had done his part.

Then the police got busy, and three blocks away from Pastor Hackett’s church they captured the gang.

* * * * *

Such quick action points to only one conclusion; that the police knew perfectly well where to look for the dope peddlers.

If they didn’t, there were plenty of citizens who could and would have correctly given them information.

It is not the citizen’s duty to make complaints and swear out charges and prosecute the case.

The city has detectives to follow up clues given privately, and police to make the arrests.

* * * * *

Camden is a live, liberal, modern city.

Camden has no hankering for constant disturbance by VICE CRUSADES but Camden wants no drug ring headquarters conducted in it either. No peddlers of heroin and cocaine driving their illicit and ruinous traffic among its citizens.

Whether the police could or could not have made these arrests long ago, or whether this was the first opportunity, citizens will have their own opinion.

But the incident must impress the public mind vividly, as a demonstration that Preacher Hackett knew what he was talking about- and that a self service police system won’t work.

Commissioner Rohne and the police have full responsibility- and apparently an abundance of opportunity.

For the belated capture of these caterers to the appetite for life-wrecking drugs, Camden citizens are grateful.

And part of the thanks must go to Rev. Hackett..

Camden Evening Courier (Courier-Post) - October 11, 1928

JEALOUSY SEEN AS MOTIVE FOR BOMBING DAIRY
Police Seeking Mysterious Stranger in Terrific Downtown Blast
MILK PLANT DAMAGED; NEARBY HOMES ROCKED
Crudely Made Explosive Placed in Trench Beneath Steps
Bomb Wrecks Division Street Dairy in Midnight Blast

SCENE OF CAMDEN BOMBING

With the owners and the police attributing jealously of business success as the only plausible motive for the bombing last night of the plant of the Sanitary Milk Dairies Company, at 311 Division Street. Search was started today for a tall, heavyset man, with mixed blue suit, as the bomber.

City detectives mingled among the throngs of men, woman and children who today viewed the damage caused by the bomb - a crude, home - made time device - which, in exploding, rocked the neighborhood, shattered window panes, doors, fences and the exteriors of nearby properties. Machinery in the Coccia plant was damaged by the concussion and by parts of bomb shrapnel, which pierced or bent it.

With the owners and the police attributing jealously of

At left, standing: Adam Coccia. Kneeling Matteo Coccia

business success as the only plausible motive for the bombing last night of the plant of the Sanitary Milk Dairies Company, at 311 Division Street. Search was started today for a tall, heavyset man, with mixed blue suit, as the bomber.

Mrs. Angelino Coccia, mother of the Coccia brothers, her daughter, Theresa Coccia, 14, and Mrs. Mary De Luzzio, 59, of 317 Division Street, were in the kitchen of the Coccia home when the bomb exploded. The dairy is at the rear of the home of Primo Coccia, one of the owners. His brothers -partners in the business are Paul Coccia, 242 Pine Street; Adam Coccia, 346 Cherry Street, and Matthew Coccia, 941 South Third Street.

Saw Mysterious Stranger

Mrs. Coccia cannot speak English, but through her son, Matthew Coccia, it was learned today that, before the explosion, she had seen a man passing the kitchen window.

"The man walked down the alley at the side of the house," Mrs. Coccia told her son in Italian. "He was a heavy - set man and tall; I thought he was a customer who had come for milk. People often come at night to buy milk, and I did not think it strange about the man.

"But then I waited for hi to knock at the back door, as customers usually do," she continued.

"When he did not knock, I wondered what he might be up to, and I was just ready to leave the kitchen to see where he went when I heard the explosion. I did not know what happened after that, I was so nervous, I didn't even see the man leave the way he came. But he was the one who set the bomb. Of that I am sure."

Dog Vainly Warns

The Coccia's have a big Italian Bulldog chained to a gasoline tank at the rear of their home. The dog barked continually last night to warn the Coccias, they were so used to his barks, they said today, that they thought he had been growling at a customer, as he sometimes does late at night.

Mrs. Coccia said she was unable to give a detailed description of the man she saw last night because an electric bulb in the alleyway was not lit. It was the first time the alley was in darkness at night. Matthew Coccia said, and this the bomber apparently took into consideration in seeking to go about his diabolical tasks without possible detection.

Coccia said boys living in the neighborhood saw the man enter an automobile, with lights out, immediately after the explosion shook the neighborhood. The car, they said, had been parked near the Coccia home with its front and rear lights out.

Detective Fiore Troncone, who is investigating the bombing, informed Coccia today that he had received a description of the automobile from Coccia's neighbors. They said they had seen the driver put on the lights of Fourth and Division Street as he turned the corner to go north in his escape.

Rev. John S. Hackett, pastor of the Wiley M.E. Church, Third and Berkley Streets, who was among those viewing the damage done by the bomb, said he saw the man acting nervously at Third and Pine Street last night, immediately after the explosion. His description of the man tallied with that given by Mrs. Coccia.

"I was waiting for the first edition of the Morning Post to arrive at the store at that comer." Mr. Hackett said today, "when my attention was attracted to this man. He seemed to be very nervous about something. He was fairly tall and heavy - set and wore a mixed blue suit, with light coloring.

"When the papers arrived and I bought a copy, he seemed to be very anxious to see what was on the front page. I did not know about the bomb until I read the paper, but it occurred t me later that perhaps this man was acting suspiciously and was eager to see what damage had been caused. I'm sorry now I didn't question him. But I can give police a good description of him.

The Coccias said the only reason they could see for the bombing was jealousy of their business success by a person with a deranged mind.

"We had no enemies," Matthew Coccia said, "and we never fought with anybody. I cannot understand it. It must have been jealousy at the way we were getting along."

Coccia said no threatening letters had been received. He insisted that there was no reason why the "Blackhand" should desire to ruin Primo Coccia's home or their business.

Neighbors called police and fireman.

Detectives found a firemen's shovel near where the stone steps to the dairy had been. They believed it had been used to dig a trench under the steps in which to insert the bomb.

Primo Coccia, who had been to the theatre, came home five minutes after the explosion. He found a throng in front and dazedly pushed through until his mother hysterically screamed the news to him.

The bomb burst in the dairy door and sprayed big pieces of the iron pipe along the side of the house and into the room, where it caused most of the damage to the machinery.

Fifteen windows of the Coccia house were shattered and police believe the foundations at the rear may have been weakened.

The worst damage to neighboring buildings was to the rear of the Seven Brothers Bakery, owned by the Canzanese Brothers, 318322 Pine Street, which backs against the dairy. Twenty windows of the bakery were crushed in, the door was riddles with small pieces of the pipe and the rear was peppered with the "shrapnel. "

Mario Manarefi, 912 South Fourth street, a bookkeeper in the bakery, was at his home nearby. He ran to the street and looked several minutes for the bombers before he joined the crowd.

Joseph Scotthouse, 317 Division Street, ran to the yard at the rear of his home to find the fence had been peppered with tiny pieces of the pipe, some of which had tom into his kitchen through windows and doors.

Six windows of the home of Sabatino Di Paolo, 321 Division Street, were broken. Fragments of the pipe were found on the floor of rooms on the second floor of his house, he told police.

A police cordon was thrown around the neighborhood by Chief of Police Stehr, who took personal charge of the investigation.

Where Bomb Rocked Neighborhood

Chief of Police Stehr is shown pointing to the spot under the back steps of the Camden Sanitary Dairy Company at 311 Division Street, Where a time bomb exploded last night, The bomb was placed under the steps.

Police from every district in the city were rushed to the scene and patrols were dispatched to be prepared for any eventuality.

The neighborhood was searched carefully and every resident was questioned, but no one was able to give any clue which might lead police to the bombers.

Squads of detectives and police patrolled the neighborhood for hours after the explosion, seeking objects, which might have been dropped by the bombers.

Camden Courier-Post - June 4, 1933

Choral Group of 500 to Give 'Songfests' for Wiley Mission
Donald Redding to Direct Society; 5 Broadcasts Planned
CAMP MEETINGS' TO OPEN JUNE 12

Formation of the Camden Choral Broadcasting Society, to be composed of 500 or more voices, trained and directed by an internationally known choral leader, was announced Saturday by Rev. John S. Hackett, pastor of Wiley M. E. Church, 635 South Third Street, and founder and superintendent of Wiley Mission, in the old post office building at Third and Arch Streets.

The choral society will include singers from Camden, South Jersey and Philadelphia churches, and will make its debut on June 12 at the opening of a series of unusual "camp meetings" sponsored by Wiley Church.

Donald Redding, musical director of Bethany Presbyterian Church, of Philadelphia, the "Wanamaker Church," who presented an interchurch choir of nearly 600 at the Wiley Mission in Convention Hall on May 11, will have charge of the new choral society here.

Harold C. Lowden, noted church organist, composer and music publisher, has been invited to direct the instrumental music. The choral society will be augmented at times by the 75-piece inter-church band and by various church orchestras during broadcasts over WCAM.

The first rehearsal of the society will be held at 8 p. m., Thursday in Wiley Mission. The society will present five broadcasts for the benefit of Wiley Mission, over WCAM through the courtesy of WCAM officials. The broadcasts will be on June 16, June 19, June 23, June 26 and June 30.

The society will also sing each night at the "camp meetings" to be conducted in Wiley Mission. Instead of the meetings being held under canvas, they will be conducted in the old mail sorting room of' the former post office building each night for the two weeks starting June 12.

Another departure in the usual proceedings of "camp meetings" has been announced by Reverend Hackett. Prominent laymen of Camden and South Jersey will speak each night instead of preachers.

The old mail sorting room, through which passed thousands of letters daily before the opening of the new federal building at Fourth and Market Streets, will be transformed into a sylvan bower with potted plants, shrubs and even trees scattered around, while overhead large electrical fans will supply plenty of breeze.

On June 24 the Choral Society, inter-church band, Rev. Hackett and the Wiley Broadcasters will hold an all-day rally in Alcyon Park. The Broadcasters will "reproduce" a radio program similar to those presented three times a week from Wiley Church.

Camden Courier-Post - June 14, 1933

Wiley Mission to Broadcast "Indoor Camp Meeting" Event
Radio Equipment to Be Installed Today in Old Mail Sorting Room
of Former Federal Building for Special Service

Modern methods of communication will invade the former federal building at Third and Arch Streets today. From the structure where thousands of letters radiated daily, messages of Wiley Mission will be broadcast, starting at 4 p. m. tomorrow.

Equipment for broadcasting the "indoor camp meetings" of Wiley Mission will be placed in the old mail sorting room of the former federal building today, and when the all-day meeting is held at the mission to morrow, instead of at Wiley M. E. Church, the service at 4 p. m., will be broadcast over WCAM.

"Amy of Chinatown," internationally known character in church circles, who turned from a life of ease in glamorous New York's bit of the Orient, will inaugurate the new broadcasting locale of Wiley Mission and Wiley M. E. Church. The noted evangelist, lecturer and writer, who has been heard in Camden on numerous occasions, will begin a series of afternoon meetings at the mission today, in conjunction with the "indoor camp meetings" held nightly in the old post office building.

The broadcasting equipment, Rev. John S. Hackett, superintendent of the mission and pastor of the church, said last night, is being installed only temporarily, and the radio activities of the mission and church will again be centered in the church building at 635 South Third Street as soon as the "indoor camp meetings" are over.

Rev. Charles F. Ball, formerly of Dallas, Texas, and now pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church, the "John Wanamaker Church" of Philadelphia, last night declared that persons who insisted the Bible is old fashioned are wrong.

"You can read in one book of the Bible the same kind of stories that appear in the daily newspapers throughout the world today," he said. "If the Bible is so old-fashioned as some people try to tell us, why are modern newspapers patterned after it?

"There are only two classes of people in the world, as far as the Bible is concerned. They are the righteous and the wicked," he said. "There is no halfway ground. Every person is in one of the two classes."

Rev. Ball classified ministers today as "prophets of the New Testament," whose sole business "should be to pass on to the people of the land the teachings of Christianity, just as did the prophets of the Old Testament."
Bernard Poland, who sang with Henri Scott, internationally known grand opera star; Donald Redding and Howard MacNeill at the Wiley Mission Jubilee in Convention Hall on May 11, led the singing and directed the inter-church choir at last night's meeting. Poland also sang several tenor solos. C. Harold Lowden, noted organist, composer and music publisher, was instrumentalist.
Arthur N. Morris, prominent Philadelphia businessman and teacher of one of the largest Bible classes in Philadelphia, will speak tonight.

Camden Courier-Post - June 15, 1933

CHINATOWN AMY IN WILEY BROADCAST
"Indoor Camp Meetings" Being Conducted at Mission in Old Post Office
Dinner in Marble Halls Will Cost Only 9 Cents t

A full meal of wholesome food, served at a neatly appointed table, in a setting of Venetian splendor with marbled walls-all for nine cents.

Visitors to Wiley Mission today when an all-day meeting will be held in the old post office building at Third and Arch Streets, will get "Two-dollar service in a million-dollar setting for nine cents at meal time," according to Rev. John S. Hackett, superintendent of the mission.

Tables have been placed in the corridors of the old federal building and lunch and supper will be served.

"'We will give them plenty to eat, and good food, too," Rev. Hackett said, "and make about one cent profit on each meal."

Giving a man a job is a blessing, not only to the man but to the community, and keeping him at work as long as possible is an act of Christianity, Arthur N. Morris, paper box manufacturer of Philadelphia, said last night in addressing the "indoor camp meeting" of Wiley Mission in the old post office building;
Third and Arch Streets.

Morris said business needs religion and religion needs business. He is 'teacher' of Bethany Bible class at Bethany Presbyterian Church, the "John Wanamaker church" of Philadelphia. Before the meeting started in the old mail sorting room, Morris was taken on a tour of inspection of the Mission by Rev. John S. Hackett, superintendent. He was so impressed with the work being accomplished that he volunteered to return and speak tonight when he learned Harry Van Hook, the "praying mayor" of Millville, would be unable to speak on account of illness.

Morris will be accompanied tonight by members of his Bible class, the largest men's Bible class in Philadelphia. Sessions of the class are broadcast each Sunday from the church.

The first radio program ever broadcast from the old post office will go on the air at 4 p.m. today over WCAM. Equipment was installed yesterday. "Amy of Chinatown," noted evangelist will speak on the initial broadcast, and also at the Mission each afternoon during the series of "indoor camp meetings." An all-day meeting will be held at the Mission today with services at 10.30 a.m., 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m., and the broadcast from 4 to 5 p.m.

C. Harold Lowden, noted organist, will direct the "All-Nations Revue" tomorrow night when singers will appear in native costumes, and addresses will be made in several foreign languages.

Camden Courier-Post - June 16, 1933

Wiley Mission to Hold Colorful International Service Tonight
'All-Nation Revue' To Be Presented as Part of 'Indoor Camp Meetings'
in Old Federal Building; Program Will Be Broadcast

An evangelistic "League of Nations" will be held in Camden to night. The international gathering will take place in the old mail sorting room of the former federal building at Third and Arch streets, and will be sponsored by Wiley Mission.

Speakers and singers of ten nationalities will participate in the program arranged by C. Harold Lowden, organist, composed and music publisher, for the "All-Nations Revue" to be presented as part of the "indoor camp meetings" now in progress at the mission.

The nationalities will include German, Italian, Scotch, Greek, Chinese, African, Ukrainian, Polish, Slav and English. Some of the singers will appear in native costumes, and hymns will be sung in several languages. Brief addresses will be made by representatives of the various countries.

Program To Be Broadcast

The program will he broadcast by WCAM over the new radio equipment installed in the mission yesterday.

Rev. John S. Hackett, superintendent of the mission, and pastor of Wiley M. E. Church, last night said arrangements had been completed for broadcasting portions of the "indoor camp meetings" on Monday and Friday nights.

Mrs. Amy Ungrae, known as "Amy of Chinatown," started the broadcasting service yesterday at the all-day meeting held in the mission. She spoke on "Faith." Mrs. Ungrae will speak each afternoon at the mission during the "indoor camp meetings."

Arthur N. Morris, paper box manufacturer of Philadelphia, who spoke Tuesday night, spoke at the meeting last night. Morris teacher of the Wanamaker Bible class of Bethany Presbyterian Church, one of the largest men's Bible classes in Philadelphia. He was accompanied by a delegation from the Bible class.

Hackett Preaches Sunday

Tomorrow night's program will be in charge of a delegation from the Philadelphia Highway Mission and Jail Workers. Rev. Hackett will preach Sunday night on "Open Sunday. vs. the Workingman."

The program for next week includes a "Welcome Back" night for postal workers of Camden, when they will be honored in the room where they handled thousands of letters daily before the federal offices were moved. Postmaster Charles Ellis has been invited to speak, and several quartets composed of clerks and carriers will sing. The oldest clerk and the oldest carrier will be honored.

Donald Redding, musical director of Bethany Presbyterian Church, and Bernard Poland, member of the National Male Quartet, are leading in the singing at the "camp meetings." Lowden is chief instrumentalist.

Camden Courier-Post - June 17, 1933

'ALL-NATIONS REVUE' PUT ON BY MISSION
Part of Program Broadcast; Italians Extend Greetings

By ARCHIE HALL

Europe was transferred to Third and Arch Streets last night, musically, vocally and spiritually, if not physically, when the "All-Nations Revue" was presented by C. Harold Lowden, noted Camden organist and composer, as one of the series of "indoor camp meetings" being conducted by Wiley Mission.

The event was held in the old mail sorting room of the former federal building, and a portion of the program was broadcast over WCAM, utilizing the new broadcasting apparatus recently installed in the room converted into an auditorium. During the program, Rev. John S. Hackett, pastor of Wiley M. E. Church and founder and superintendent of the mission,
announced receipt of a letter from the assistant secretary of the treasury department, in charge of public buildings, extending to Wiley Mission permission to use the old post office building for an other year. Use of the building was obtained through Congressman Charles A. Wolverton, he
said.

Prior to the broadcast, Rev. Ella Nace, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, spoke for the "camp meeting" portion of the program. Before the mission "went off the air," Rev. Nace sang a hymn in Pennsylvania. Dutch.

Bernard Poland, a member of the National Male Quartet, and associate of Henri Scott in concert and operatic work, directed the singing and also sang a tenor solo. Greetings from the Italian residents of Camden were extended by Rev. A. M. Galloppi, pastor of Italian Baptist Christian Center. William Viehweg sang a German song. Mrs. Blanche Goodwin, colored, sang "Nothing Between," a typical Negro spiritual.

Brevity of the broadcast prevented the mission presenting all selections Lowden arranged. Plans for another "All-Nations Revue" will be made by Lowden.

The large auditorium of the mission was filled with representatives of many nationalities, the largest crowd since the "Indoor camp meetings" started last Monday night.

Tonight's program will be in charge of a delegation from the Philadelphia Highway Mission and Jail Workers. The delegation will be headed by a band.
Tomorrow night Rev. Hackett will preach on "Open Sunday vs. the Working Man," as the climax to an all-day meeting which will be held in the church in the morning and afternoon, and at the old post office building in the evening.

Monday night has been set aside for the postal workers when "Welcome Back" night will be held. The clerks and carriers will present their own program, and the oldest men in point of service in each branch will be honored.

Camden Courier-Post - June 21, 1933

CHINESE CHILDREN TO SING FOR WILEY
Race Street Pupils to Take Part in Today's Services at Old P.O.

Hymns of the Orient and America will be sung in Chinese and English tomorrow at the "Indoor camp meeting" of Wiley Mission, in connection with the all-day meeting scheduled to start at 10.30 a. m., in the old post office building at Third and Arch Streets.

A group of Chinese children, led by Dr. Ko, pastor of the Chinese M. E. Church on Race Street, Philadelphia, will present the hymns in their native and adopted languages. They will sing during the afternoon service, when a portion of the program will be broadcast over WCAM from 4 to 5 p. m and again at night.

Dr. Ko will preach at the morning and afternoon services. The Mission will serve its nine-cent meal in "a million dollar setting" tomorrow noon and again at night.

Rev. Adam. L. Martin, colorful evangelist and pastor of Zion Simon M. E. Church, Eighteenth and Wharton Streets, Philadelphia, last night compared life to a baseball game. He likened the "at bats," "hits, "runs", "assists" and "errors" to milestones in the life of man.

Rev. Martin has delivered his famous "baseball sermon" in many churches throughout the East. He announced a pageant that attracted thousands to Atlantic City when it was first presented in the Atlantic City Convention Hall and that will be presented at Wiley Mission in the near future. The pageant, "The White Throne" will be broadcast if arrangements can be made. Rev. John S. Hackett, pastor of Wiley M. E. Church, and superintendent of the mission, announced.

Bernard Poland, operatic tenor, who was formerly associated with Henri Scott, internationally known star of the Metropolitan and Chicago Opera companies in several concert tours, led the singing last night and sang several solos. C. Harold Lowden, Camden composer and organist, was chief instrumentalist.

Plans are being completed for the all-day rally and Sunday school picnic at Alcyon Park next Saturday, Rev. Hackett said. The inter-church band and a large choir composed of singers from many South Jersey churches will join with the Wiley Broadcasters in presented "mock broadcasts" in the afternoon and evening.

Camden Courier-Post - June 22, 1933

Woman Evangelist Describes 'Fishers of Men' at Wiley
Mission Continues Indoor Camp Meetings at Old Post Office,
With Chinese Choir Singing Today and Picnic Saturday

Fishermen are made, not born, and there are too many small fish- and fishermen- in the world, declared Mrs. Amy Unruhe, evangelist known as Amy of Chinatown," in an address last night at the "Indoor Camp Meeting" of Wiley Mission.

"There are thousands of men fishers," she said in her talk in the old mailing room of the former federal building, at Third and Arch Streets, where the meetings are being held nightly. "Some think if they get a certain kind of hat, gum boots that reach to the hips, and something on their hip, they can catch fish.

"If fishermen were born, and not made, Jesus would not have said to two experienced fishermen, 'I will make thee fishers of men.'

"No two fish are landed the same way. There is but one kind of hook. That is why we find Rev. John S. Hackett such a good fisher of men. He uses
the only kind of hook that will draw fish- the Cross of Calvary."

At the all-day meeting today, starting at 10.30 a.m., Dr. Ko, pastor of the Chinese M. E. Church, Race Street, Philadelphia, will speak. He will be accompanied to Camden by a group of Chinese children who will sing Oriental and English hymns in their native and adopted languages. A
portion of the program at 4 p. m., will be broadcast over WCAM. The children will sing at the afternoon and evening services.

Two large choirs will participate in tomorrow night's meeting. Richard Quick will direct the Tabernacle Baptist Choir, and a colored choir from Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church also will sing. The services will start at 8 p. m., and be broadcast from 9.30 to 10 p. m., by WCAM direct from the old
post office building.

All arrangements have been completed for the picnic and all day rally at Alcyon Park on Saturday. The children of the Sunday School, led by John
Dalameter, superintendent, will leave the mission at 9 a. m. in the afternoon Rev. Hackett, the Wiley Broadcasters, the inter-church band of 75 pieces,
directed by William Quemore, and a large choir, directed by Donald Redding, will participate in the rally services.

Rev. Hackett and "Amy of Chinatown" will be the speakers. Mrs. Wallace Lee, registered nurse, will look after the health of the children. Mrs. Emma.
E. Messick will be in charge of social activities. Miss Edna Griffith, director of religious education, will be in charge of the Italian section.

Camden Courier-Post - June 24, 1933

Wants More Laws

MORE LAWS NEEDED, WILEY GATHERING TOLD BY MAYOR
Bridgeton Ruler Hits Back at Critics Who Decry Modern Legislation
PICNIC TODAY

Critics of the present, regime of the United States, and those who declare they are governed by too many laws were answered last night by Mayor Linwood W. Erickson, of Bridgeton, at Wiley Mission, Third and Arch streets.

"We do not have laws enough," the mayor shouted. "All laws are founded upon reason. All laws are for the protection of the weak against the transgression of the strong.

"All laws have but one common aim- to give to us that right guaranteed by our forefathers-life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For that reason, I say to you, we do not have enough laws."

Mayor Erickson, before addressing the crowd at the "indoor camp meeting," spoke of his long friendship for Rev. John S. Hackett, pastor of Wiley M. E. Church, and founder and superintendent of the mission.

"He is a man who has the reverence of thousands," Mayor Erickson said. "The best evidence he is doing good is seen in the fact that he is being criticized and investigated. The man who never does anything is never criticized. But for the man who is doing something, who is doing some good, there is always someone to criticize and try to tear down.

"When people stop criticizing me, I want them to count me out.

LINWOOD W. ERICKSON

Mayor of Bridgeton, who declared last night there are not enough laws in the United States, and said man alone is to blame for any need of laws, in an address at the "indoor camp meeting" of 'Wiley Mission.

"Law and order are subjects not in tune with discussions of the day, especially in Camden County, and most certainly not in New Jersey. Law and order is distinguished from law enforcement, for law enforcement contemplates violation of the law, while law and order contemplates observance "of the laws.

"We live in a world of laws. We cannot pass by the law without paying respects to the laws of God. Four of the Ten Commandments deal with the relationships that should exist between man and God, the other six deal with the relationships that should exist between man and his fellow men. Yet nine of the Ten Commandments are negative and only one positive."

The chief musical program which started at 9.30 p.m., when the mission program was broadcast over WCAM, featured the Bridgeton string band of 18 pieces, directed by Leon Chew; the Cohansey Male Quartet; the Tabernacle Baptist Church choir, directed by Richard Quick, and the Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church choir; directed by Philip Johnson.

Rev. Walter L. Hunt, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Broadway below Spruce Street, offered prayer. Bernard Poland, associate of Henri Scott, internationally known star of the Metropolitan and Chicago opera companies, sang several tenor solos.

Rev. George E. Morris, pastor of Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church, also participated in the program.

The first bus for the all-day rally at Alcyon Park will leave at 9.30 a. m. today, and carry children of the Sunday school of Wiley M. E. Church for the annual picnic and outing. Other buses will leave during the day from the Mission.

During the afternoon and evening program Rev. Hackett and Mrs. Amy Unruhe, better known as "Amy of Chinatown," will be the speakers, and the Wiley Broadcasters will present a "mock" radio program. Music will be furnished by the interchurch band of 75 pieces, directed by William Quemore. Donald Redding, musical leader of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, will have charge of the singing by a large choir.

Rev. Frank C. Maxwell, chaplain of the Camden County jail, and head of the Philadelphia Highway Mission and Jail Workers, will have charge of the program tonight at toe old post office building.

Morning services will be held to morrow at the church, and in the afternoon and evening at the old post office building. Part of the afternoon program will be broadcast over WCAM from 4 to 5 o'clock.

Rev. Harry Magonigal and Hayden Evans, blind gospel singers, will be featured at the "indoor camp meetings" each night next week .

Camden Courier-Post - June 29, 1933

VAN METER SPEAKS AT WILEY MISSION
World Is 'Money Mad,' He Tells Indoor Camp Meeting

The, world is money-mad and the inhabitants are responsible for much of the unrest by being selfish, Mayor Joseph H. Van Meter, of Collings wood, said last night in an address at the "indoor camp meeting" of Wiley M. E. Mission, Third and Arch Streets.

"Success in life can be coupled only with the ability to help others," the mayor said, in his address delivered in the old mail sorting room of the former Federal building. "We are money-mad. We are selfish. We think only of ourself and not of the other fellow. Residents of Camden county are no different than other persons in the world," he said.

He cited the examples of the nation's great men- Lincoln, Washington and others- and said their success and greatness was due to their willingness to help others. He urged parents to see that children get the right start in life, for childhood habits are hard to change, he said.

After the program, Van Meter inspected the mission and commended Rev. John S. Hackett, pastor of Wiley M. E. Church, and founder and superintendent of the mission, for the humanitarian work the mission is accomplishing.

Mrs. Amy Unruhe, better known as "Amy of Chinatown," will preach her farewell sermon in the series of "indoor camp meetings" at 10:30 a. m., today when the all-day meeting opens in the old post office building. Rev. Harry Magonigal, blind gospel singer and evangelist, will talk tonight.

Frank Dippell, head of the Brotherhood Mission of Philadelphia, will speak at the afternoon service and 60 Italian children who are attending the Wiley daily vacation Bible school will be on the radio program broadcast by WCAM at 4 p. m.

Mayor Harry F. Van Hook, the “praying executive" of Millville, will be the speaker tomorrow night. His topic will be "Service“. The Boy Scout band of Millville will present a concert in the Mission Monday night.

Camden Courier-Post - February 14, 1938

WOMEN- AND WHAT THEY ARE DOING
Race Relations Committee of Camden Y. W. C. A.
Plans Extensive Program for Week; Mrs. Harold Bennett to Broadcast

By M. IRENE FROST

THE committee on race relations of the Camden Young Women's Christian Association, whose endeavor it is to promote greater understanding between the races, is participating in the nation-wide celebration of Negro History Week now in progress.

The committee is sponsoring an extensive program covering both the youth and adult membership and including three broadcasts. Today, Mrs. Harold W. Bennett, of this city, will speak over Station WCAM at 2.15 on "Race Relations and Good Neighbors." On Wednesday, Mrs. Wilda Townsend will broadcast over the same station at 2.30 on "Contributions of the Negro to the Culture of America." A recital will be given over WCAM at 2.30 on Friday by James Marshall Wheeler, pianist, and Lawrence Lawson, tenor.

Following a short business meeting of the board of directors of the Camden Association tonight in the headquarters, Miss Marjorie Penney, executive secretary of the Young People's Interracial Fellowship of Philadelphia, will speak.

Girl Reserves have been invited en masse to a meeting on Thursday night in the headquarters, to hear Allan Freelon, one of the nation's leading artists, and supervisor of art in the Negro schools, of Philadelphia. Mr. Freelon, who will speak at eight o'clock, will also exhibit some of his work.

The Frances Harper branch committee of management will be piloted by the following new officers for 1938: Mrs. C. T. Branch, chairman; Mrs. Sadie Wright, vice chairman; Mrs. Howard Primas, secretary; Mrs. Louis Smith, assistant secretary. Dr. M. O. Lee will speak on "The Makers of Negro History". next week before the Phyllis Wheatly Club of the branch..

	Philadelphia Inquirer - April 25, 1905

Line Street - Mickle Street - Wiley M.E. Church - Charles P. Tuttle Sr. Flora Lee Matthews - J. Franklin Dorman Jr. - Rev. Alfonso Dare Lizzie Locke - Linda Blair - Sara Olden - Gustav Hemple

Bridgeton Evening News - December 31, 1906

Isaac Toy - South 3rd Street - Albert Keaser - Alonzo Dyer Rev. Alfonso Dare - Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church Charles H. Ellis - Elisha A. Gravenor - Harry Mines - Albert Shaw - Robert Colkett William Todd - William Lyons - Broadway - Berkley Street - Elm Street Improved Order of Red Men - Camden Aerie No. 65 Fraternal Order of Eagles Third Ward Republican Club

Camden Courier or Camden Post-Telegram June 8, 1921

David Griffiths - B.F. Schroeder - Rev. E.A. Miller - Wiley M.E. Church St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Third Baptist Church - Tabernacle Baptist Church St. Stephen's Episcopal Church - Princess Avenue - Union M.E. Church

*Camden Courier-Post October 28, 1936**

V. Claude Palmer - Alfred C. Rose - John C. Kemble - Anna Bell Kemble - Allanson Meade Pearl Street - Linden Street

Camden Courier-Post - February 19, 1938

First Methodist Episcopal Church - Wiley Methodist Episcopal Church - Rev. John S. Hackett