Retired Haddonfield pastor celebrates 100th birthday

The coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic will not deter Haddonfield, New Jersey from celebrating the 100th birthday of retired United Methodist pastor and respected humanitarian leader, Rev. Dr. Charles A. Sayre on Sunday, April 19th.

When Haddonfield United Methodist Church's in-person birthday party was halted due to social distancing protocols, Sayre's family and church made plans to take the festivities to the internet.

Haddonfield United Methodist Church members will be gifted with a pastoral prayer led by Sayre himself during the April 19th online worship service. His day will also include a family-hosted Zoom celebration.

Rev. Dr. Sayre served as senior minister of Haddonfield United Methodist Church for 25 years. During his tenure there, he also founded South Jersey’s Hope in Voorhees United Methodist church. He also served The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey as a lead clergy delegate for eight quadrennial.

His church staff recall him sharing that “people will put up with a lot from you as long as they know you love them.” This mile marker celebration shows that people recognized his love for them and is now bestowing theirs on him to commemorate this special day.

A fervent defender of equality and a passionate opponent of racism and bigotry, Sayre is well known for the many area organizations he's guided and supported over the decades. He spearheaded the founding of Respond, Inc., a nonprofit, Christian-based, community-service organization working to enhance and promote the economic independence and general welfare of individuals and families residing in Camden City and Camden County. He also helped during the formation of the county’s Seed of Hope rehab ministry.

Still in almost perfect health and sharp of mind as ever, Dr. Sayre remains active in the community. He continues to attend church services where he once led and is the dean of United Methodist ministers in the state of New Jersey. He also joins weekly meetings of the Haddonfield Rotary Club, where he's been a member for 67 years and is considered "a South Jersey icon."

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