If you live in the Akron area, the Rev. Ronald Fowler is a name you probably know well.
The pastor laureate of Arlington Church of God is known not only for his teachings, but for his professional and civic contributions throughout the community.
Fowler was awarded the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award at the Akron Urban League’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Monday.
Fowler was chosen as the first recipient because he has extended his reach beyond his church to the community.
“He will be the model for those who earn it in the years to come — a leader among leaders, a shepherd to the lost and found and a blessing to all who meet and know him,” said Sadie Winlock, the Akron Urban League’s president and chief executive.
Fowler has held the position of senior pastor for 42 years at Arlington Church of God.
The son of a pastor, Fowler grew up a middle-class kid who was a football star at East High School. He graduated from Kent State University with the aid of a football scholarship.
“The secret to life is being able to be part of a team, to love God and care about people and be custodians of institutions that can help people,” Fowler said. “I’m part of a great team with my principal team leaders, my mother and father, who shaped in me the love of God and Scripture and to aim high.”
He said he had a great team of mentors and models who encouraged him along the way.
“They gave me a sense of direction to do something in your life beyond just getting a job and settling down, but actually contributing to building up others,” he said. “When I think of being the first to which will be a long line of successors, I just feel extremely honored.”
Fowler was part of Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan’s Blue Ribbon Task Force when he took office and helped shape the blueprint for Akron moving forward.
Horrigan co-sponsored Monday’s event, along with Congresswoman Marcia Fudge.
Horrigan presented Fowler a proclamation dedicating Jan. 16 as Rev. Fowler Day.
“The Martin Luther King Jr. theme of ‘Overcoming’ reflects how we have taken on challenges and turned them into successes,” Horrigan said. “Rev. Fowler is someone who has helped so many people in our community achieve success. He has served as a key figure to the city of Akron, helping to improve the quality of life for all residents with strong emphasis on the African-American community. He has also followed the steps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by living his life as an example to others by overcoming challenges.”
Fowler has served on the boards of several corporations and on countless committees, as well as on the Akron Public Schools board, where he served 12 years, two terms as board president. He has received numerous awards for his community service, including the Akron Area Board of Realtors’ Citizen of the Year Award and the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award.
As a community activist, Fowler was tapped to lead and serve on commissions and committees at the University of Akron and Kent State University to help build bridges of inclusion.
KSU President Beverly Warren described him as a “pillar in the community, known for his open-door policy to everyone.”
Fowler worked closely with the Rev. Knute Larson of The Chapel and formed a 20-year friendship that crossed racial, cultural and congregational barriers. An award was even named after their partnership called the Fowler-Larson Allies Award.
Both retired the same year, 2009.
Executive Pastor Ron Fowler II, who is also following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps as a minister, said he was proud of his dad and has learned a great deal from him.
“He’s taught me the importance of loving people, respecting people and valuing their worth,” Fowler’s son said. “When people say relationships are everything, it’s true — I have seen my father live it.”
Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com or follow her on Twitter @MarilynMillerBJ