John E. Marvin

John E. Marvin

26 January 1907 - 11 September 1983


Dr. John E. Marvin

Dr. John E. Marvin, 76, died Sept. 11, 1983 at Lake Louise. The son of Rev. and Mrs. William E. Marvin, John was born Jan. 26, 1907 in Laurium. Throughout his life, he felt an affinity to the Upper Peninsula and liked to boast that he had been brought up in the Copper Country. He graduated from Albion College in 1929, and from Drew Theological Seminary in 1932. Adrian College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Letters in 1943. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Kappa Epsilon.

Beginning in 1932, John served two pastorates in Detroit, first at Elmoor-Embury. The Elmoor parish was hard hit by the depression with 80% of the people on welfare. Two of his men committed suicide because they could not find work; there were other depression caused tragedies. John did not relinquish his belief in a personal religious experiences, but he awoke to the reality of social issues, and became concerned with economics and the social gospel. In the spring of 1936 he was asked if he might be interested in becoming associate editor of the Michigan Christian Advocate. After a brief trial as acting editor in the summer, he was appointed Associate Editor of the Michigan Christian Advocate in September 1936. Editor William Phelps was in failing health. In 1940 John Marvin became the Editor and held that position for a record 33 years!

As Editor John Marvin never once missed writing his editorial! As Editor Marvin preached and spoke often in our churches, and gave wise and statesmanlike guidance to Michigan Methodism. He worked hard, kept in touch, was well read, and kept growing intellectually and spiritually. As Editor Dr. Marvin was very interested in social issues and the ecumenical movement, but unlike some church editors, he was also interested in the personal gospel. He took prophetic and difficult stands at times. He believed that an editor should speak his convictions, and shouldn't be so balanced in presenting every side of an issue that he would come up with no answer in the end. He felt that church leaders need to state their convictions, and let the chips fall where they may. The Advocate Board at his retirement passed a resolution: "His editorials have shown an honest search for truth and a courageous and forthright presentation of the issues." John Marvin felt that as Editor he had the biggest pulpit in Michigan Methodism; he was happy and content with this position.

Many honors came to Editor Marvin. He was President of the Methodist Press Association and Secretary-Treasurer of the Associated Church Press. He was elected to represent the Methodist press at the organization of the World Council of Churches in Amsterdam in 1948. In 1950 he covered the founding of the National Council of Churches. He was part-time professor of Journalism at Adrian College for 7 years. John was elected to the 1944 Jurisdictional Conference, and subsequently as a delegate to both the General and Jurisdictional Conferences from 1948 through 1972, demonstrating the high regard he was held in by his peers.

In February 1971, John and his wife, the former Alma O'Connor of Bad Axe, suffered their private "earthquake" when their home was wracked by a truck; antiques and family heirlooms were lost. As John came up to retirement, over 300 Methodists from across Michigan gathered at Albion College for a John Marvin Recognition Banquet. Bishop Dwight Loder, as master of ceremonies, led an evening of fun and laughter, with many short tributes to the work of a master editor. In 1975 the Marvins moved to Midland to be near their children and closer to their cabin at Lake Louise.

Dr. Marvin leaves his wife Alma; three children, Charles, Mrs. A.J. Sharp, and Lynn, all of Midland; six grandchildren, and one great-grandson. The Memorial Service was held at First United Methodist Church of Midland on September 15. Tributes were given by Rev. Robert Horton, assistant to Bishop Ammons, and Rev. Edward Duncan, present Editor of the Advocate; a timely message was given by the pastor, Dr. Carl Price. All present felt that a giant in Michigan Methodism had fallen.

- Detroit Annual Conference minutes of 1984, pp. 369-370

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