As we come to the end of 2024 and look forward to the new year, here’s a look back at the top four stories in Palmyra.
Civil rights activist and Palmyra grad Dr. Clarence B. Jones, who wrote Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech, was in a 30-second ad during Super Bowl Sunday paid for by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.
Having a dream
Civil rights activist Dr. Clarence B. Jones delivered his first major speech as the Palmyra High School Class of 1949 valedictorian, urging his fellow students to reach for their dreams.
In 1963, he wrote some of the most famous words in history, from the “I Have a Dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the march on Washington in the nation’s capital.
“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” King thundered.
Jones delivered another speech on Super Bowl Sunday this year, during a 30-second ad that was seen by millions.
“All hate thrives on one thing: silence,” Jones said. “We stand up to all hate. The people who will change the nation are those who speak out against injustice and refuse to be bystanders, who raise their voices against injustice.”
The ad that featured Jones aired early in the NFL championship game and was paid for by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS), an organization founded by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. It illustrated examples of hatred against Jews by the Nazis and in the present day, but also of Muslims, Palestinians and others in America.
“With this ad,” Kraft noted, “we hope to continue to spread Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of unity and equality at a time in which the country needs it most.”
Harry Pfeiffer is a member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir. In March, the then-seventh grader at Palmyra Middle School performed in the ensemble for the Philadelphia Orchestra’s presentation of the cantata “Carmina Burana.”
Singing his praises
From a very young age, Philadelphia Boys Choir member Harry Pfeiffer was on stage – thanks to his grandmother, Jean.
Harry thinks of his grandmother as an inspiration, along with his music teacher at Westfield Friends, Faye Griscom. She had him perform on stage from pre-K, and he learned the musical “Hamilton” by heart, performing its opening number on stage when he was 7.
And with a nudge, Griscom recommended Harry to audition for the Philadelphia Boys Choir when he was in third grade. He sings soprano and was able to enter the choir as an advanced cadet.
Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale performs regularly across the Philadelphia region, as well as in many national and international venues. In March, Harry – a seventh grader at Palmyra Middle School at the time – was selected and performed in the ensemble as the Philadelphia Orchestra presented the popular classic cantata “Carmina Burana” at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.
Red ribbons were placed at Palmyra High School, around the Legion Fields sports complex and along Broad Street in memory of 15-year-old Matthew James Dickinson, who was struck and killed by a northbound River Line train in August.
A terrible loss
The quiet, peaceful morning of Aug. 8 in the borough was shattered as a Palmyra High School three-sport athlete headed to soccer practice at the Legion Fields sports complex.
While crossing the tracks at Chestnut and Broad streets, 15-year-old Matthew James Dickinson was struck and killed by a northbound River Line train headed to the Cinnaminson Avenue station. His tragic death broke the hearts of many Palmyra and Riverton residents who placed red ribbons at the school, around the soccer field, all along Broad Street and at their homes in his memory.
Hundreds of grieving friends and family wept and grieved during a candlelight vigil on Aug. 11 and at services on Aug. 13 and 14. Dickinson’s funeral Mass was celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Riverton. The teen was a life-long resident of the borough about to enter his sophomore year at Palmyra High. He was known as a fierce competitor who excelled at sports – especially soccer, baseball and wrestling – and was well liked by both teammates and classmates.
Dickinson’s time playing sports with the Pal-Riv Soccer Club included having his father Jim “proudly at his son’s side as his coach on the Pal-Riv Phoenix Team and Matthew’s entire soccer career,” Dickinson’s obituary noted.
Lt. Josiah Murphy was sworn in as the new police chief in May, succeeding Meghan Campbell. Murphy was born and raised in Palmyra and is a graduate of its high school.
A new chief
Lt. Josiah Murphy was sworn in on May 20 surrounded by family and friends as he succeeded Meghan Campbell as police chief.
Campbell became chief in 2020 and was the borough’s first full-time female police officer and first female to make rank in the department.
Murphy was born and raised in Palmyra and is a graduate of its high school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in law and justice from Rowan University and began his career in law enforcement in 2000 as an officer in North Wildwood. He was hired by Palmyra police in 2001 and was promoted to sergeant in 2012.
Murphy also was a member of the police department’s SWAT team from 2006 to 2011 and was sworn in as a lieutenant in October 2020. He has also served as the department’s senior firearms instructor.
“I am honored that Mayor (Gina) Tait and the Palmyra borough council have given me this opportunity, and it is my privilege to lead the men and women of the Palmyra police department,” he said.
