Priest celebrates 50th anniversary of ordination
By Tom Weber
weber@postbulletin.com
The Rev. Wesley Crowle is greeting the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest in much the same way he greeted his retirement in 1986 from St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Rochester. religionp CORRECTION RAN SATURDAY (5/4/02)
A story on Page 6E April 29 about the Rev. Wesley Crowle celebrating 50 years as an ordained Episcopal priest contained incorrect information about his retirement. Crowle retired in 1986 from a chaplaincy at St. Marys Hospital and Rochester Methodist Hospital. He is still associated with St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
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----------------------------------------------------- By Tom Weber
weber@postbulletin.com
The Rev. Wesley Crowle is greeting the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest in much the same way he greeted his retirement in 1986 from St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Rochester.
"I said to the secretary at that time that I didn't notice I was getting older," Crowle said.
Even now, at 80, Crowle seems intent on ignoring his age. Although technically retired, he continues to help out at local churches -- just last Wednesday he celebrated a noontime service at Calvary Episcopal Church in downtown Rochester.
As for the 50th anniversary reception St. Luke's is throwing for him May 5, Crowle said, "That was certainly a surprise." He admitted, though, that "I had heard whispers."
The whispers were soon confirmed, and the final details were put in place. "Last Sunday, somebody asked me what my favorite dessert is," Crowle said.
The celebration will start out with Crowle leading the 10 a.m. service at St. Luke's, followed by a luncheon reception in the fellowship hall at the church.
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Crowle came to Rochester in 1965 as a chaplain at St. Marys and Rochester Methodist hospitals. He said it was gratifying to work with clergy from other denominations to serve patients and families at the hospitals. "It really is a team effort," he said.
Hospital chaplaincy is regarded by some people as potentially difficult and depressing work, but not by Crowle. "I suppose people looking at it from outside might feel that way," he said. "But there is the great, great benefit of working with people. You get back much more than you give."
In retirement, Crowle visits local nursing homes, reads, gardens, sings in the church choir, and spends time with his wife, Dorothy, three daughters and two grandchildren.
And he regularly finds his way back to St. Luke's, where he served for so many years. "I've certainly enjoyed the parish fellowship," Crowle said.
For more information on the celebration, call St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 288-2469.
