Charles E. Adams

Charles Elmer Adams was the fourth child born to Charles and Sarah Adams on November 22, 1927 in Bridgeton, NJ.  He grew up going to school and working on his father’s farm, which he enjoyed. Charles moved to Philadelphia, PA in the 1940’s and attended South Philadelphia High School for two years.  In July 1946, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army and served three years in Japan as an Automotive Mechanic, attaining the rank of Corporal.  

Upon returning to Philadelphia Charles used his mechanical skills to work as an auto repairman. Eventually, he was employed as an Equipment Operator of the mechanical street sweeper by the Philadelphia Dept. of Streets until he retired in 1985.

In the early 1950’s, Charles met Andrew Patterson, with whom he became close friends.  Through Mr. Patterson’s influence, Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined Corinthian Baptist Church in 1953, where he was baptized by Rev. M.W. Newsome.  At Corinthian, Charles served on the Men’s Usher Board and attended adult Sunday School classes taught by Mr. George W Lee. Rev. Newsome later assigned Charles to the Board of Trustees, where he served faithfully for many years.  Charles also coached the church’s Track & Field Team with the Eastern District Congress of Christian Education, and brought 1st Prize to Corinthian in 1973. 
 
In addition to church involvement, Charles was active in the Germantown Congress, Eastern District Congress, and Pennsylvania State Congress of Christian Education.  He was also a Trustee of the Eastern District Congress Camping Foundation.

In 1953, Charles met Alva Virginia Cheek at Corinthian, and swept her off her feet.  They were married on May 22, 1954 and were together for 65 years until Alva’s passing in October 2019. Their union produced two children:  Vanessa Ava and Charles Leland.  Charles was the ultimate “family man,” working tirelessly to provide for a stay-at-home mom and children to have necessities as well as pleasures.  Every summer there would be trips to Atlantic City or Wildwood; and birthdays and holidays were happy times.  Most importantly, Charles along with Alva raised their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Charles returned to school to obtain his high school diploma.  He graduated from Standard Evening High School in 1965 and was honored as the “Outstanding Male Graduate.”  Afterward, he attended Philadelphia College of Bible, graduating in 1969.  Finally, in 1993 Charles obtained his Associate’s Degree in Christian Ministry from Geneva College through their “CUTS” program (Center for Urban Theological Studies).

In the mid-1960’s. Charles sensed God’s call to preach the gospel, and in 1969 he preached his trial sermon at Corinthian and was licensed by Rev. M.W. Newsome.  In 1972, Rev. Newsome ordained Rev. Charles E. Adams as a Baptist minister.  

Rev. Adams was blessed with an extraordinary gift to teach God’s Word.  When asked to minister during the Sunday evening service, he would often take a portion of scripture and go verse-by-verse, expounding the Word with clarity and enthusiasm.   He also taught the Sunday School Teachers’ Class, a Bible class with coworkers, and a weekly Bible class at a friend’s church.   As an Associate Minister at Corinthian, Rev. Adams had a servant’s heart and stepped into any role in which he was needed.  

Rev. Adams had a love for people, and served them in any capacity that was necessary. He visited the sick on Wednesdays, as well as whenever someone called him in an emergency.  He provided pre-marital counseling and performed marriage ceremonies; and offered support and service to grieving families.  He was willing to help anyone who was in need.  In turn, people admired and loved Rev. Adams dearly.  Many church members and friends would travel to New Jersey to Rev. Adams’ childhood church for “Adams Day,” an annual church service and reunion to honor Rev. Adams, and at which he would preach a message.  

Rev. Adams was a friendly person with a jovial personality and a beautiful smile with infectious laughter. He would frequently be found with a camera, taking candid pictures of anyone who was around him.Above all, Rev. Charles E. Adams was a man of God, and a man of character who loved his Lord Jesus Christ, his family and his church.  

Rev. Charles E. Adams was called from labor to reward and departed this life on Monday, August 3, 2020 at the age of 92.  He will be greatly missed by all who were impacted by his life. 

In addition to his wife Alva, Rev. Adams was preceded in death by a sister - Margaret, two brothers - Elmer and Leon, and a close family friend - Gene Cheak.

He leaves to cherish his memory: daughter – Vanessa A. Porter (Keith), son – Charles L. Adams, sister – Sarah Miller, brother – James Adams; many nieces, nephews and other relatives, and a host of dear friends.