Martha Crowell

St. Martin’s has been Martha’s spiritual home since 1982, when she arrived in Philadelphia to teach Lower School Music at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. Martha has sung in the St. Martin’s choir for 42 years, led the music for 11 years at the 10:15 service for young children and their families, and led the music for the parish intergenerational retreat. Martha also taught graduate school in music education for 25 years. Martha’s dad was an Episcopal priest, and her mom also graduated from seminary, so Martha has always been involved in church life. Martha completed Education for Ministry, Stephen Ministry and Stephen Leader training, serving as a Stephen Minister, then Stephen Leader for over 10 years, served on and chaired liturgy committee, participated in Bible study and Central America Core Group. Martha traveled to Guatemala with Guatemala Partners, helped as a table leader in Becoming Beloved Community, and supports Beyond Borders and the Guatemala Scholarship initiative. She participated in Spiritual Friends, Women Connecting, and Under God. A lover of quilting, Martha led a project for many years making quilts with parishioners for babies served by Maternity Care Coalition, spearheaded the making of a Habitat For Humanity quilt, and led the making of prayer shawls for young mothers who were victims of traumatic abuse in Kenya. She is a lay reader and intercessor. In addition to teaching, music, and quilting, Martha enjoys nature photography, mindfulness meditation, and keeping up with her twin sister and nieces. St. Martin’s is Martha’s beloved home, a cherished place to grow together in faith and in service to God. It is an honor to give back to the place and people to whom she owes so much.