Episcopal Press and News

Mart K. Craft, former Spokane dean, dies at 71

Episcopal News Service. February 9, 2011 [020911-02]

The Very Rev. Mart K. Craft, former dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane, Washington, died Feb. 5 following a brief illness. He was 71.

Born Aug. 28, 1939 in Sunnyside, Washington, Craft studied theology at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California, and was called to ministry at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in 1964 where he was ordained and continued to serve for 42 years. He retired from the cathedral in 2007 when he was serving as acting dean.

Craft served the Diocese of Spokane in several roles, including president of the Standing Committee, secretary of Diocesan Convention, and deputy to several General Conventions.

"An enthusiastic liturgist, he was also the designer and master of ceremonies for many diocesan liturgies, cathedral and community services during his years at the cathedral," according to a notice on the diocesan website.

Craft founded Mid-City Concerns, a ministry that today delivers more than 78,000 meals annually to home-bound seniors in Spokane. He served as chairman of Connoisseur Concerts, an initiative dedicated to providing Spokane with a regular series of professional classical musical performances.

Craft is survived by three daughters, four grandchildren, and two sisters.

A funeral service will be held on Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and memorial contributions may be made to the Cathedral Altar Guild.