The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-11-21

SERIOUS CONPLAeRAuoN-Th Third Metho-
dtst hptseepgL Chsreh IN R,,tns@Eigh s55 o Houses
the roof Of the Methodist Episcopal Church, on
Third street, between Federal and Bridge
avenue, was discovered to be on nre The alarm
was quickly sounded. but half an hour elapsed
before any water could be obtained. In the
meantime the flames had orept along the
shingle Tosf, and were making rapid progress
downwards towards the basement, The steam
engines succeeded, at length; in securing a
sm all quantity, not SUFFICIENT, however, to stay
the progress OF the flames. The plugs were
BY this time the large structure was entirely
un0er the control of the fiery element which
threatened destruction TO the surrounding
property, which consisted of fame dwellings,
AT this juncture IL became evident the church
was doomed, and the fremen turned their nj.
tenuon 10 saying from destruction the SUR.
on the north side of the church there is an
alley dignihed by the name OF Taylor's avenue
Situated upon IL, and about ten feet from the
church, were four two-and-a-half story frame
as IL became apparent that they were in danger
the greatest CONSERVATION prevailed. Hus-
bands running in one direction, wives in
another, and children running both ways all
seemed horrorstricken at the idea of being
Their house hold goods were thrown into the
street, and carried of to place of safety. Ere
long II became too warm in that vicinity, and
to save their worldly goods, many leaving
behind more than half they possessed
A strong southwest wind prevailing, carried
the sparks, which ascended in myriads, high
into the air on to the roofs OF other houses.
First small jet OF hre would be seen, then
another, and another, until in an amazing
short space OF time the roof was on fire. There
being no water to counterRct the fire. IL soon
spread along the roofs of the four houses, and
before long not vestige of them remained but
the number of blackened boards The flames
communicated to the house at the corner of
Third and Taylor avenue and the upper por
tion of IL was burned of. The roofs of the
houses adjoining that, as well as the next one,
fell prey to the flames Several fire compa!
MES from Philadelphia arrived at this time but
were unable to render much assistance on
account of the scarcity of water.
There are two theories as to the origin of the
a locomotive alighting. on the roof OF the
church, and the other that It was produced
through a defective hue. AS the fire was first
discovered on the roof at the southwest angle
of the building, and about twenty feet from the
course Of the hue, the former theory Is the most
The church was erected in 1884, In 1858 1t was
rebuilt and an addition made to 1t, at the cost
of $4,000 Its dimensions were 80 feet long by As
in width, The rear portion of the structure
was used as O class and Infant Sunday School
room. The basement, a large room, 60 by IS,
was occupied as a Sunday School, The main
room OF the church was on the ground floor,
and was of the same size as the Sunday School
room. 1t was surrounded on three sides by q
gallery,
hundred people. 1t was the first religious
organization in Camden, and is the mother
church of all the others of the Methodist de-
nomination that exist in that city. The edifice
was handsomely furnished q Brussels carpet
covering the aisles. The gallery was ornamented
The organ which had been but recently con-
structed, was valued at $500. This, as we'll as
every thing the church contained, was de-
stroyed The total loss will be about sic, 900,
upon which there is an insurance of but $4,000,
in the Franklin, of Philadelphia. The pastor OF
the church was Rev. Charles II. Whitecar
Nothing now remains of the former substantial
and imposing structure but the bIaekened and
charred walls
No. 227 Taylor's avenue was occupied by Mrs
Sophia Fairlamb; the house was burned down.
and only quantity of the furniture was saved
No insurance on furniture.
No. 229 was rented by Mr.. Rose. This build
ing was also entirely destroyed. and only por-
tion OF The furniture escaped destruction.
House burned down and part OF the furniture
destroyed.
No 233 was occupied by Mrs Budding, Edward
Vanaslarie and David Stroud The building
was nearly destroyed, but the furniture was
No. is South Third street, a frame residence
adjoining the church, occupied by Patrick
Mall0y, was damaged to the extent of about
No. IL s. Third street. occupied by John
Logan, had the roof burned, and was otherwise
injured. H-H
No. s. Third street, occupied by John Ewers
and another family, was slightly damaged in
the roof, and the furniture somewhat injured.
Ali the dwellings mentioned, with the excep-
Steeing, of this city; that one belonged to the
occupant 1t was not until a late hour last
night that the flames were subdued.
TEE WEST JERSEY FERRY CoMpANY.-The
steamboats, West Jersey and Mechanic, rum
ming on the line of the West Jersey Ferry Com
pany, have been recently overhauled, newly
painted, and fitted up for the winter season.
Mr.. John Q. Hutchinson, the enterprising
superintendent of the ferry, is indefatigable in
his efforts to secure comfortable accommoda-
tlons for the passengers