Chaplain Jack Crans has led a lifelong journey supporting the local community through his faith, writes J. F. Pirro for Main Line Today.
The 74-year-old has served as the Chester County Prison chaplain for over fifty years. Crans has held the role through many ups and downs over the decades, from the COVID-19 pandemic to Danelo Cavalcante’s escape in 2023.
Since first graduating from Philadelphia School of the Bible, Crans was drawn to working with vulnerable individuals throughout the community. This has included incarcerated people, as well as those struggling with substance use and mental illness.
The chaplain’s impact on Chester County exceeds his role at the prison. Crans and his wife have worked at various churches and programs throughout the county, including Hephzibah Baptist Church.
Crans also opened City Gate Mission in Coatesville, a social services ministry for formerly incarcerated people going through re-entry. The program has supported over 4,000 people since opening.
In 1992, Crans purchased the Camp at Old Mill, an 18-acre property in Honey Brook. He turned the space into a retreat for both children and adults.
Crans has touched countless lives throughout his decades of service, including Jim Davis, currently an assistant chaplain at the prison and whom Crans personally supported though his substance use struggles. About Crans, Davis said, “There are a lot of ways to tell Coatesville’s story, but you can’t do it without including Jack. He lit a fire in me that’s never gone out.”
For a closer look at the man behind decades of quiet yet profound influence, and the untold stories of lives he’s changed, read the full feature on Main Line Today.
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