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Editorial
In the living room of his campus home, with a grand piano in one corner, stacks of paper piled in random disarray and afternoon sunlight streaming in a western window, the Rev. John Crews, until last week the executive director of Hanna Boys Center, recalled the moments immediately after he was called up for service in the Navy Reserve following the tragedy of 9/11.
“When the kids were told I would be gone indefinitely, one of them said, ‘But who’s going to buy me Slurpies?’” Crews stopped and blinked back tears.
“It was the first time since 1983 that I’d been away from the center,” he said, and then stopped again as his voice broke. He tapped his chest several times, as if freeing something inside, more tears formed and for a long moment he was silent, deeply moved.
“When I got to Pearl Harbor, something felt wrong. I was surrounded by people in uniform, but I suddenly realized I was lonely. I missed the kids, their young energy.” He paused again. “They have this genius for cutting to the quick. They’re not the least bit impressed by uniforms or stripes.”
That conversation unfolded three years ago and today John Crews is gone. But his spirit permeates the campus he supervised and inspired for nearly three decades. And to have observed the bond between John Crews and the 110 adolescents who, at any one time, called Hanna Boys Center home was to witness something both ordinary and sacred.
Crossing the campus, boys trailed in his wake, calling out to him, “Hey father, yo padre.”
He knew every boy by name, he knew every boy’s story and every boy knew him. He coached them, counseled them, taught them, preached to them, prayed with and for them, gave them a family and, after he helped them navigate successfully through high school, he opened doors and checkbooks to help them get into and through college.
Last week, an unsubstantiated allegation, more than 40 years old, involving an alleged victim of sexual misconduct who is now deceased, drove John Crews out of Hanna and out of the lives of those boys.
He left, by all accounts, without rancor, without protest, without bitterness – and without admission of guilt – because he understood the issue was far bigger than him and that no cloud of doubt should ever be allowed to linger over Hanna.
But from the safety of the sidelines, it is impossible to ignore the obvious irony when a priest of such profound grace and achievement is forced to exit a transformative ministry while, a few years earlier, a parish priest who would be criminally charged with multiple felony counts of child sexual abuse, managed to flee to Mexico because the Santa Rosa Diocese did not file a mandatory report in time.
We understand the reporting imperatives of the Catholic Church today. The Los Angeles Archdiocese has already paid $660 million to more than 500 victims sexually abused by priests, after knowingly protecting some of the worst offenders from legal intervention. We wish the church had acted responsibly years sooner.
We cannot judge the guilt or innocence of Father John Crews, but we can judge the legacy he leaves at Hanna. And by that standard, the man is a hero and an example of brotherly love to which we all can aspire.
Please note: Your full name will be published with your comment.
Dear Father,
I hope you read this...I want you to know that I have cried for two day's over this..Also called Hanna to talk to them...I must ask you a big favor..I know you are worried about the boy's, But please you Must go back and say goodbye to them all... A lot have already been abandoned by someone in their life, and You were their only family.. Please Father... Go back, tell them another story..Tell them it's going to be ok.. Tell them to keep going... Even in the wake of this horrible event.. If you do not do this, it show's them that they too can just leave.. without saying goodbye.. These boy's are lost right now.. You were everything to them all..I am begging that you may do this. Give them closure.. Let them say goodbye to you.. let them know that you will alway's be there if they need you.. Father I hope you know that our family believes in you, and alway's will. you turned our son around. You gave him what he needed. You should be the proud of what you accomplished in your life.
Thank you so very much..
Dear Father Crews,
When you came to Hanna, I had already been there for 3 years. As Father Pulscamps predecessor, you had big shoes to fill. It didn't take you long, however, to earn all the boys love and trust. You took charge, like the officer and gentleman you are, and made Hanna into an even better place then it already was (and it was already pretty great!).
My relationship with you is a huge part of my memory growing up. My Father had died when I was 8. I came to Hanna at 12. Eventually, You became (and always will be) my padre.
What you saw (and helped me to see) in that angry, hurting, terrified little boy was amazing and life transforming. You taught me the meaning of loyalty, faith and sacrifice.
Being an accomplished and brilliant musician yourself, you saw a talent inside the angry kid, and were the one who taught me that if I could dream it, I could achieve it. Your encouragement and support didn't stop when I graduated... it never stopped. Through the years, you have been my rock. I am a professional musician becuase of you, Father. I am a great Dad because thats what you have always been to me.
To those who would entertain the idea that this alligation is true, I say with all my heart: Do not believe it. God broke the mold when he created this wonderful person.
Father, if you read this- never doubt the difference you have made in so many lives. Never doubt the impact you have made in mine. Never doubt the unconditional love for you from so many us... The Lost Boys. The Hanna Boys.
Matt Grimes
PROUD Hanna Alumni 81'-84'
Here is a case of guilty until proven innocent. Father Crews has influenced thousands of troubled kids in some of the most positive of ways. And now for this one, family of a dead man, allegation, he is denied any fitting retirement tribute - expelled from his home, the campus, students, and staff that he has devoted himself to for nearly 30 years. It puts the whole priest/sexual abuse scandal in a new light for me. Whoever this accusing family is, they sure as hell better have some solid evidence of abuse, now that they have unseated a man who, in my eyes, has been stellar.
Wow! What a speach from a kid that took what you taught and made good from it.. I'm upset that my Son only got a small part of you.. and did I and my family.. I want and NEED more.. we live so far away that we gave our Son to Hanna to better him..It was a sacrfice, but We knew he was in great hands. I actually asked if I could come to Hanna. I needed help and guidance. It was all about him! Father Crews.. So Please Hanna. do not take him away..He was and is Hanna..I have asked people to support Hanna and they are doing just that. We all feel that Father should continue until his retirement and someone is found to try to replace him... please Father consider this.. Yes I am on here a lot..but i am out here for the ones that can't speak...
In my comment regarding Father Crews- I meant to say Father Crews was father Pulscamps successor- NOT predecessor.
-MG
My husband & I have supported Hanna for about 20 years and will continue to do so. I can't believe that this could happen. Fr. Crews was an angel to these boys. He has done such tremendous work and has so many success stories, changing lives and making a difference. We are devasted to see him leave under these circumstances, but know that he is NOT guilty of anything except changing our world to a better place through these wonderful boys.
Nancy Baty
Dear Friends at Hanna Boys Home,
My family, and we are not Catholics, has given you modest financial support, probably now for more than 25 years. We stopped by last Spring and a thoughtful someone allowed us entry into the chapel and we so enjoyed its simple beauty, and the stained glass. My heartfelt thoughts are with every one of you, and particularly with Father Crews. Respectfully, and in great sadness, Valerie Herr
Dear All,
I attended Cardinal Newman High School (class of 1984) and I know Principal Crandall pretty well. I remember Father Crews only slightly. However, after visiting the campus yesterday and speaking with Mr.Crandall for an hour, I can honestly state that the legacy from Father Crews' efforts will live on for quite some time.
The torch must move forward. The young men of the school deserve that. The staff was absolutely exceptional and I couldn't be prouder of my teacher and coach, Mr.Crandall for all that has been accomplished. And I think Mr.Crandall would simply state he would not have been able to achieve all that he has - without the help of Father Crews.
Focus on moving forward. The young men at the HBC deserve to know that we're not giving up as a community. Life will throw hurdles and roadblocks every step of the way. You must rise up. You must overcome. You must never stop trying. #inspireBeInspired
I think the campus and staff..... are simply amazing.
Jerome