REV. JOHN CRANN
(1936-1945)

Fr. John M. Crann became the second pastor of St. Charles Parish in 1936, replacing Fr. Ferron. Due to the great depression, the growth of the parish remained dormant for many years. During this time, parishioners helped each other in whatever ways they could. They shared food, talents, and clothing.

By the 1940’s, with the economy beginning to boom, due to World War II, the population in the area including the church grew immensely. The Diocese of Youngstown was established on May 15, 1943 and was structured in canon law by July 22, 1943. The six northeastern Ohio counties of Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, and Trumbull separated from the Cleveland Diocese and constituted the new formation. Bishop James A. McFadden was the first bishop of the Youngstown Diocese.

Parishioner at the time, T. Kirwin Obendorfer became the first St. Charles parishioner to become a priest. He was ordained by Archbishop Hoban on May 16, 1943. He attended Immaculate Conception grade school and Ursuline High School. He continued his studies in Maryland at St. Charles College in Canton and John Hopkins University in Baltimore. He attended the Catholic University of America in Washington.

In the years following World War II, there was much social and economic activity. As the country recovered with a renewed energy, so did the parish of St. Charles. In 1945, Fr. Crann left St. Charles and Monsignor John L. Bardon began his pastorship.