All week long at Iolani chapel services, I’ve been playing the hymn, “I sing a song of the saints of God,” and the focus has been on saints as ordinary people.

I sing a song of the saints of God, patient and brave and true, who toiled and fought and lived and died for the Lord they loved and knew. And one was a doctor, and one was a queen, and one was a shepherdess on the green; they were all of them saints of God and I mean, God helping, to be one too.

They loved their Lord so dear, so dear, and his love made them strong; and they followed the right, for Jesus’ sake, the whole of their good lives long. And one was a soldier, and one was a priest, and one was slain by a fierce wild beast; and there’s not any reason no, not the least, why I shouldn’t be one too.

They lived not only in ages past, there are hundreds of thousands still, the world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus’ will. You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea, in church, or in trains, or in shops, or at tea, for the saints of God are just folks like me, and I mean to be one too.

It was just a little surprising, though, when Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick called out Carl Crosier at Priory chapel last week, recognizing him for all his years of service and dedication to the school, and in fact, calling him a saint!

You see, it was Carl’s last service at the Priory before he retired on Friday after 28 years as the business manager and chief financial officer. But not only did he keep the books for the school, he also served as master of the acolytes for Priory’s chapel services and for the last two years, accompanied the school’s choirs.

At a reception celebrating his retirement on Friday, Carl received many cards of congratulation including this one from the sixth grade class: Thanks so much! We will miss you so much! It won’t be the same without you. It was fun alcoliting (sic). Thank you so much for all that you have done for us! Mahalo from the Class of 2020. Bye Mr. Crosier! 

Aloha, Carl. Mahalo nui for all you have done for the Priory, as well as for me. Your help with purchases (airline tickets, class shirts, dresses etc.) and chapel has been invaluable. I so appreciate the friendship that has blossed over the years. Enjoy your retirement — you deserve it! Aloha nui, Aggy (Kusunoki)

From Sandy Theunick, Head of School: What can you say about Carl Crosier? Lots. Renaissance man, accounting genius, man of deep faith, incredible musician, master curmudgeon and softie rolled into one. A person who has dedicated 28 years of his life to the school that he has come to love so much — St. Andrew’s Priory.

From Sue Ann Wargo, admissions director: I have always admired you for your passions of music, good food and drink, and travel. I have also admired you for your kindness, honesty, constancy, and compassion for others. Today, All Saints Day, is the perfect day to say ‘aloha’ to you, Saint Carl!