Rev. Alfred R. Burke - 1916

Norwich Pastor Eagerly Sought

Rev. Alfred Rickard Burke

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1916

 

Rev. Alfred Rickard Burke

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  With the approaching close of the conference year, rumors are rife as to the changes that may occur affecting the pastorate of the Broad Street Methodist church in this city.  Rev. A.R. Burke, who has been the pastor of the church for the past four years, is a strong favorite with the members and they recently adopted resolutions asking for his return for another year.

 

But Mr. Burke's work in Norwich has been so striking and successful as to attract the attention of churches in larger and more important centers and several of these churches are believed to be seeking him as a pastor.  Mr Burke came to Norwich from the Myotte Street Church in Scranton in 1911 and there is said to be a possibility that another church in that city or in Wilkes-Barre will secure his services.

 

Still another rumor has it that Mr. Burke will be chosen district superintendent to succeed Dr. O.L. Severson, of Oneonta.  There is said to be a strong and growing sentiment in his favor among the 50 odd churches in the district and at a recent district ministerial meeting in Sidney, the matter took definite shape and the association will ask for his appointment to the superintendency.  Inasmuch as Bishop Berry has expressed his willingness to honor the petitions of the association, the appointment seems highly probable.

 

This would be a distinct honor to Mr. Burke and would carry a considerable increase in salary. The appointment would be particularly pleasing to his parishioners here and the people of Norwich generally as it would probably mean the continuance of his residence in this city.

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Obituary

Binghamton Press, March 16, 1961

 

 

Alfred Rickard Burke

1875 - 1961

 

 

The Rev. Alfred R. Burke, D.D., of Chenango Bridge, a clergyman of the Wyoming Methodist conference for the last 61 years, died at 8:50 p.m. yesterday at his home in Poplar Hill Road.  He was 85.  Dr. Burke served two four-year terms as Binghamton District superintendent of the Wyoming Conference.  A former Oneonta District superintendent, he was pastor of the Chenango Street Methodist Church for a total of 11 years.

 

The body will lie in state from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday in First Methodist church, Chenango Bridge.  Funeral services will start at 2 p.m. at the church.  Officiating at the services will be the Rev. Norman W. Clemens, D.D., Binghamton District superintendent, the Rev. Leon W. Bouten, D.D., Wilkes-Barre District superintendent and former pastor of Endicott's First Methodist church, and the Rev. John W. Crayton, pastor of the Chenango Bridge church.  Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], at the convenience of the family.

 

Dr. Burke was born June 27, 1875, in South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].  He joined the Wyoming conference in 1900.  His first pastorate was at Exeter, where he served two years.  Other pastorates included:  From 1903 to 1904, South Edmeston; 1905 to 1908, Dorranceton, Pa; 1909 to 1911, Myrtle Street Church in Scranton, Pa; 1912 to 1915, Norwich; 1916 to 1917, Chenango Street Methodist Church in Binghamton; 1925 to 1927, First Church, Endicott; 1926, Oneonta District Superintendent; 1919 to 1933 and 1943 to 1947, Binghamton District superintendent; 1934 to 1942, Chenango Street Methodist church, Binghamton.  After his retirement in 1948.  Dr. Burke continued to remain active. He was supply pastor at the Methodist church in Triangle from 1948 to 1955.  In 1956, he served for seven months as supply pastor in Westover Methodist Church.

 

Dr. Burke was a member of the Chenango Bridge church and its official board.  he is survived by his wife, Ethel E Burke of Chenango Bridge; a son, Richard M. Burke of Rensselaer; a daughter, Mrs. Alan Eckert of Cleveland, Ohio; a brother Daniel Burke of Summit, N.J.; a sister, Mrs. Leon L . Cowles of Oxford, three grandchildren; two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hopler and Georgia Funeral Home, 483 Chenango Street.

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Alfred Richard Burke was born 27 June 1875 in South New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY and died 15 March 1961 in Chenango Bridge, Broome Co., NY.  He was the son of James M. and Mary Sabrina (York) Burke.  He was twice married.  His first wife was Fannie H. Manning (1875 -1920), and his second Ethel Elmendorf (1886 - 1976).