Reverend Steadman was a great man, loved by many and respected by all. A… man of vision dedicated to the service of God and his fellow man.

Always an outspoken supporter of the downtrodden and the disenfranchised, however through his editorials and writings he never wavered in his admonitions of those who oppressed mankind through the power of their secular or sectarian office.

Any wishing to send cards or love donations to his survivors, may contact The Church Of Interfaith Christians at church_of_interfaith_christians@crabtreeinternet.com for mailing address.

On 5 April 2008 Reverend Crabtree was ordained as a Priest in and for the people of the Order of the Shepherds Heart, Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion. Presiding Abbot, Right Reverend Brian Brown along with Bishops Lee Schmidt and Francis Sahuque (convening bishops of the EFCC) and Bishop Eugene Kyle in attendance.

Fr Crabtree receiving the laying on of hands.

Left to right, Abbot Brown, Bishop Schmidt, Fr Crabtree, Bishop Kyle, and Bishop Sahuque.

The ceremony took place at annual Synod held at a retreat located in historic Eureka Springs Arkansas. Abbot Brown, in a post to the Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion e-mail discussion group made these observations regarding the event;

“We had a splendid, if tiring time this year, but as always it was worth it.  It was so good to be with everyone, breaking bread together, sharing stories, laughing, crying, worshiping, planning, eating and what have you.  Fr. Ed Crabtree’s ordination to the priesthood was absolutely beautiful and the Spirit certainly moved amongst us that evening!  He will make such a fine priest and in fact the autocephalous sacramental movement could use more people just like him.”

[All photos above courtesy of Abbot Brown, Sheperds Heart Ecumenical Free Catholic Communion]