Photos by James A. McBride
Left: Students process to the Msgr. Doyle Fieldhouse Nov. 11 for the blessing and dedication of the new athletic facility for youth in South Camden. Right, Msgr. Michael Doyle, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, for whom the new fieldhouse is named, holds Kieshiya Davis.
The Michael J. Doyle Fieldhouse, now a safe place for Camden’s youth and named after a longtime, influential servant in Camden, had its blessing and dedication ceremony last Sunday.
Msgr. Michael Doyle has been pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in South Camden since 1974, and has been one of the city’s foremost activists and civic leaders.
Originally built as the Star Theatre near Sacred Heart Parish and School, the building at 1840 Broadway used to show silent films. It is now seeing new life as the fieldhouse, with a full-sized basketball court and bleachers, and meeting space and facilities for volleyball, yoga and other activities.
Basketball teams from Sacred Heart School will play league games there, and the gym will also have open times for youth during the week.
The event Nov. 11 honored Msgr. Doyle, who was brought to the building in a carriage, accompanied by a string band. A film was shown honoring his achievements in helping the Sacred Heart neighborhood residents. It included congratulations to Msgr. Doyle from Janet Williams, Sacred Heart principal, and J. Scott Thomson, Police Chief of Camden.
Camden Mayor Dana L. Redd gave the official dedication of the Fieldhouse, and Sacred Heart students feted Msgr. Doyle in song.
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