Rhoda Deborah Bradway was born on 5. Oct. 1898 at Underwood, Cumberland County, New Jersey. She married
Captain John William Fidler Sr., son of
Frank Fidler and
Edith Williams, on 5. Aug. 1918 at South Seaville, Dennisville, Cape May County, New Jersey. Rhoda Deborah Bradway died on 1. Jan. 1983 at Bridgeton, Cumberland County, New Jersey, at age 84. She was buried on 4. Jan. 1983 at Methodist Church Cemetery, Haleyville, Cumberland County, New Jersey. Rhoda Deborah( Bradway) Fidler had a mid-wife at the birthing of her children born in Baileytown (Haleyville),New Jersey. The mid-wife's name was Sneath.
The Haleyville United Methodist Church according to the earliest records available was started as a religious society in the year 1835, meeting in the village's Methodist meeting house commonly called "Haley's Meeting House." On March 12, of that year a group of trustees were sworn in under John Wishart, a Justice of the peace. Those assuming office were: Jacob Haley, John Sharp, James Shellhorn, Seth Sharp, Samuel Compton, James Compton, and Ephraim Sharp.
The present Methodist Church was erected in 1864. Our mother, Rhoda B. Fidler, was an active member for almost nineteen years These years range from January 1944 to1962. She graduated from high school, but knew more than others with Masters Degrees.
The church was indeed the light of Rhoda's life for, from an early age onward, she walked the Christian walk. As a young girl in Underwood, N.J. in 1912, she saw the gas lights installed in the church. As a young bride,our mother and father, John W. Fidler spent their early married years in Dennisville, New Jersey. Later, our Father bought land in Underwood and moved his young family. Here in 1920, the Haleyville Methodist Church was heated with coal and was wired for electricity. Though the 20 and 30's life was hard for everyone, the little church endured. Betty, Reba, and brother Jack were young children through the depression years. In 1944, the Government bought up our land for the war effort and used it for a bombing range, and the family moved to Haleyville. The three Fidlers were joined by the birth of our brother ,Robert Graham Fidler, who died of pneumonia.
The family attended the church and we were brought up in the church and have many memories about the faithful pilgrims who ,each in his or her way ,built up God's house. We each walked different paths but I know that the inner spark of Jesus was ignited by the love shown by its' members' through the years. The faithful are remembered by loving gifts, such as the brass candle holder which is dedicated to our mother. On the left side wall of the inner church can be found a brass plate showing the members who fought in World War II . Among the names are my sisters, Ruth Fackler Fidler and Della Fidlers, who both served in the W.A.C.,(Women's Air Corp). T he church celebrated its' years through the many lovely services, Cantata, hymn sings, picnics , and related activities . Many of the members of our mothers generation have all passed on, but their part in building up God's House is not forgotten.