Summary
John H. Eastwood (May 12, 1911 – February 13, 2007) was an American author, seminary professor, army chaplain,[1] and church pastor. He grew up in rural Nebraska and earned a Doctor of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1941.[2] He served in the United States Army 464th Bombardment Group during World War II,[3] starting at Herington Army Airfield and later in Italy. His final position was as the pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Hammond, Indiana,[4] a church that he led to triple in size during his leadership.[5]
John H. Eastwood | |
|---|---|
 John & Shirley Eastwood, circa 1941 | |
| Born | John H. Eastwood May 12, 1911 |
| Died | February 13, 2007 (aged 95) |
| Education | B.A. Tarkio College D.D. Princeton Theological Seminary |
| Occupation(s) | Evangelist, Chaplain |
| Spouse(s) |
Shirley Eastwood
(m. 1941–2007)(his death) |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Writings | Pastoral Counseling in the Parish Setting Bees, Sparrows, Old Prince, and The Prince of Peace The Wonder of Grace |
Offices held | Chaplain, United States Army Air Corps Pastor |
| Title | Doctor |
Airman's prayer edit
Eastwood delivered (and likely wrote) before every mission what became known as the "Airman's Prayer".[1] In 1943, several of these verses were added to the Navy Hymn.[7]
- God guard and guide us as we fly
- Through the great spaces of the sky;
- Be with us as we take to air
- In morning light and sunshine fair.
- Eternal Father, strong to save,
- Give us courage and make us brave;
- Protect us whereso'er we go,
- From shell and flak and fire and foe.
- Most loved member of our crew.
- Ride with us up in the blue.
- Direct our bombs upon the foe
- But shelter those whom Thou dost know.
- Keep us together on our way,
- Grant our work success today.
- Deliver us from hate and sin,
- And bring us safely down again.
- O God protect us as we fly
- Through lonely ways across the sky.[8]
Bibliography edit
Eastwood published at least four books during his lifetime, all related to Christianity and Christian counseling.[9]
| Title | Year | Type | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pastoral Counseling in the Parish Setting | 1981 | hardback | 236 |
| The Way of Salvation | 1990 | paperback | 39 |
| Bees, Sparrows, Old Prince, and The Prince of Peace | 1989 | hardback | 166 |
| The Wonder of Grace | 1995 | hardback | 172 |
References edit
- ^ a b Shepherd, Raymond F. On Wings of the Wind. pp. 62–64.
- ^ "SEMINARY TO GIVE 71 DEGREES TODAY; Princeton Theological to Hold 129th Commencement". New York Times. May 13, 1941. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
- ^ "The Last Sortie: John H. Eastwood". The 464th in WWII. Archived from the original on April 12, 2013. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
- ^ "The History of a People". Covenant Presbyterian Church. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
- ^ "Church Triples Its Space". Chicago Tribune. November 26, 1961. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
- ^ "My Father's Story: Staff Sgt. John T. Dempsey". Family Veterans of World War II. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
- ^ "The Navy Hymn". United States Navy. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
- ^ "For Our Morale: An Airman's Prayer". The 464th in WWII. Archived from the original on May 16, 2009. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
- ^ "Search Author: John H. Eastwood". Retrieved September 24, 2012.