Answering a call to the Lutheran Church of Fairfield at the time of congregation’s
deep bereavement upon the death of Pastor Weber, was the Rev. Harvey E. Crowell,
a 1912 graduate of Hamma Divinity School. He began his work on May 19,
1912,
and would serve for 25 years, the second longest pastorate in St. Mark’s history.
During those years, 1912-1937, he provided the guidance and spiritual leadership
in the face of both flood and war. In his historical notes, he wrote of “great
trial and perplexing problems of most unusual character." The events sorely
tried the strength and mettle of the congregation and the very existence of
the church.
When the United States entered World War I, Pastor Crowell applied for, and
was commissioned Aug. 15, 1918, as a chaplain (1st lieutenant) in
the Army. During his lieutenant) in the Army. During his absence Dr. L. H.
Larimer, professor at Hamma Divinity School, a former instructor and close friend
of Pastor Crowell, assumed active charge of the church.
After an absence of 10 months pastor Crowell
returned to the heavy, stressful, and worrisome burden of what would happen
to the village of Osborn and to the Osborn Lutheran Church.
Pastor Crowell directed the efforts of the congregation
in the building of a new church at the southeast corner of East Main Street
and Pleasant Avenue in the relocated village of Osborn. The cornerstone was
laid May 20, 1923, and the first service was held in the renamed St. Mark’s
United Lutheran Church on Dec. 20, 1923.
Mary Parker Poole, in her book, The History of Fairborn (1957), wrote
of Dr. Crowell: “The history of the church would not be complete without paying
tribute to Dr. Harvey W. Crowell (who served) for almost 25 years. He not only
labored faithfully for the church all these years, but served in the interests
of the entire community. The establishment of a local library was made possible
by his efforts. He worked with the Red Cross here and was president of the Greene
County Red Cross. If there was sickness or death in any home in the town he
was there to help in any way he could. He helped the unfortunate of the whole
township. A great amount of his time was given to aiding the bible classes
in the local school. Dr. Crowell served as chaplain of the local American Legion.
A community farewell banquet was given in his honor on Jan. 19, 1937.”
Dr. Crowell resigned as pastor of St. mark’s effective
Jan. 31, 1937, and accepted
a call from St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Springfield. He died in December 1943.
