Milford chronicle., 1938-03-11
BLIND EVANGELIST
TO TELL LIFE STORY

Once a trouper in the spotlight of
Philadelphia theatres, now an evan
gelist and philanthropist in the lime
light of religious activity through
out the East is outstanding Rev.
Robert Fraser, blind since birth.
For the first time in his active
radio ministry the Rev. Mr.. Fraser
will unfold the story of his life on
two major broadcasts, Monday night,
March IA, over WPG Atlantic City,
and Tuesday night, March Is, from
$3.50 to 10 o'clock, over WIP Phila-
delphia. Robert David. the two
week-old baby abandoned under a
shrub on the lawn of the evangelist's
home in West Philadelphia on
Christmas Eve, will be christened
during the Tuesday night service.
Rev. Mr.. Fraser will observe his
32nd birthday anniversary on March
IA, and on the next day his broad
cast over WIP from Lu Lu Temple,
Philadelphia, will mark the 18th an
niversary of his radio ministry, also
his 7O3rd consecutive gospel hour
service over WIP. A new book "one
and ALL" published by Rev. Mr.. Fra
ser with a biographical sketch writ
ten by a newspaper man who thor
oughly investigated the evangelist's
social service work and his public
life in general, will be offered on
the occasion of the dual anniversar-
les.
Il is estimated that Rev. Mr..
Fraser has spent one year before a
microphone in actual broadcasts on
a basis of eight hours day, seven
days a week His voice has been
heard by millions. In the past few
years he has given material aid to
at least 5000 persons annually. thru
his social service department.
In 1884 the blind evangelist found
ed the Fraser Home for Girls, in Oh
ney, Philadelphia, and is still main
tanning the institution. All his work
is carried ON entirely by faith; he has
no sponsor, church or finance board
backing him. His social service is
licensed and approved by the State of
Pennsylvania. but no appropriation
is given by the state to his benevO-
lent work. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Conference of
Philadelphia.
An interesting thumbnail sketch
of Rev. Fraser follows:
Name-Rev. Robert Fraser.
Address - 7013 Passyunk Ave,
Philadelphia.
Born-Blind. March IA. 1906. in
Philadelphia.
Description-Dark hair, light COM
plexion, high forehead, S #. 10 in.
tall, weighs 200 lbs.
Observation-Disclosures Institute
for Instruction of the Blind, Over
brook, Pennsylvania Bible Institute,
Philadelphia.
Married Ella Starke, Bible Stu
dent, June z, 1927 Ceremony broad
cast. over WCAU Philadelphia
Children-Ella Marie, aged three
years; adopted Robert David, aband-
oned Christmas Eve, baby 3 months
old.
In Spotlight-Earned several hun
dred dollars weekly singing on
stage and night clubs; was jazz
singer on radio when a boy.
Surgical-Underwent IL major op-
erations in vain, battle to gain sight.
Had right eye removed several years
lgo.
Right-About-Face - Felt call to.
sing gospel instead Of Jazz Christmas
1928, in Spring City, Pa, Church.
Debut-Conducted his first gospel
over WCA UPhiladelphia,
food Friday, 1925.
Founded-Fraser Home for Girls,
)lney, Philadelphia, 1884.
Socialogy - 5000 aided annually
through his social service depart
nent; wheel chairs, artificial limbs,
God. clothing, shelter provided for
many people every month.
Established-Licensed by State of
J. Conference to Preach the Gospel;
evangelistic services regu-
arly.