John H. Eastwood
| John H. Eastwood | |
|---|---|
 John & Shirley Eastwood, circa 1941 | |
| Born |
John H. Eastwood May 12, 1911 Pawnee County, Nebraska |
| Died |
February 13, 2007 (aged 95) Munster, Indiana |
| Education |
B.A. Tarkio College D.D. Princeton Theological Seminary |
| Occupation | Evangelist, Chaplain |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Spouse(s) |
Shirley Eastwood (m. 1941–2007) (his death) |
| 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 |
John H. Eastwood (May 12, 1911 – February 13, 2007) was an author, seminary professor, army chaplain,[1] and church pastor in the United States. 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]
- "Our future is made sacred by their sacrifice."--Chaplain John H. Eastwood to the 464th's surviving airmen just after V-E Day 1945[6]
Airman's prayer
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
Eastwood published at least three books during his lifetime, all related to Christianity and Christian counseling.[9]
| Title | Year | Type | Pages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pastoral Counseling in the Parish Setting | 1981 | hardback | 236 | |
| Bees, Sparrows, Old Prince, and The Prince of Peace | 1989 | hardback | 166 | |
| The Wonder of Grace | 1995 | hardback | 172 |
References
- 1 2 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. 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. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
- ↑ "Search Author: John H. Eastwood". Google Books. Retrieved September 24, 2012.