Donald Barnhouse facts for kids
Donald Grey Barnhouse (born March 28, 1895 – died November 5, 1960) was an American Christian leader. He was a preacher, a pastor, a theologian (someone who studies religion), and a pioneer in radio broadcasting. He also wrote many articles and books. From 1927 until his death in 1960, he was the pastor of the Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His famous radio show, The Bible Study Hour, is still on the air today, known as Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.
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Donald Barnhouse's Work and Impact
Donald Barnhouse served as the pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for over 30 years. He started there in 1927 and stayed until he died in 1960.
He was one of the first people to preach on the radio. His program, The Bible Study Hour, became very popular. Even after he passed away, his taped broadcasts continued to air. Today, you can still hear his teachings on the radio show Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible. From 1949 until his death, he did a deep study of the Book of Romans on his show. He also taught a Bible class every Monday evening in Manhattan, New York, for many years.
In 1931, Barnhouse started a magazine called Revelation. It shared his sermons and thoughts on current events from a religious point of view. This magazine was published until 1950. After that, he founded another magazine called Eternity in 1950. He was the main editor and wrote a regular column called "Window on the World." In this column, he talked about important topics of the day using ideas from the Bible.
A big moment for Eternity magazine happened in 1956. Barnhouse published an article asking, "Are the Seventh-day Adventists Christians?" He said yes, even though he had disagreed with some of their beliefs in the past. His wife, Margaret Barnhouse, later wrote that this article caused a huge reaction. Some people canceled their subscriptions, while others praised him for being brave enough to admit he had changed his mind. Along with another Christian leader, Walter Martin, Barnhouse explained that Adventists believed in the main ideas of Christianity. After he died, Eternity magazine published a special issue to honor him.
C. Everett Koop, who used to be the top doctor for the United States government (the U.S. Surgeon General), went to Barnhouse's church for more than 20 years. He said that Barnhouse's voice and appearance were impressive. He also said that Barnhouse's preaching was very smart and clear, and he admired how simple and strong Barnhouse's faith was.
Donald Barnhouse's Life Story
Donald Grey Barnhouse was born on March 28, 1895, in Watsonville, California. His parents were Theodore and Jennie Carmichael Barnhouse. After finishing high school, he went to the Biola Institute in 1912. He also studied at the University of Chicago and Princeton Theological Seminary. In 1917, he joined the army before finishing his studies at Princeton. He became a First Lieutenant in the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps. In April 1918, he became a minister in the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A..
In 1922, Barnhouse married Ruth Tiffany, who was a missionary. They had four children: two sons named Donald Jr. and David, and two daughters named Ruth and Dorothy. Sadly, Ruth, his first wife, passed away from cancer in 1944.
A few years later, he married his second wife, Margaret Bell. She was a widow with a farm near Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Donald Grey Barnhouse died in a Philadelphia hospital on November 5, 1960. He had been diagnosed with a serious brain illness just one month before.
Books by Donald Barnhouse
Many of the books Donald Grey Barnhouse wrote have been printed again and again since he passed away. Here are some of his works:
- Acts (1979), Zondervan
- Bible Truth Illustrated (1979), Keats
- The Cross Through the Open Tomb (1961), Eerdmans Publishing
- Genesis (1970), Zondervan, 2 vols.
- God's Methods for Holy Living (1949), Revelation Publications
- Guaranteed Deposits (1949), Revelation Publications
- The Invisible War (1965), Zondervan
- Let Me Illustrate (1967), Revell
- Revelation (1971), Zondervan
- Romans (1982), Eerdmans Publishing, 4 vols.
- Teaching the Word of Truth (1940), Eerdmans Publishing
- Thessalonians (1977), Zondervan
- Words Fitly Spoken (1969), Tyndale House Publishers
- Your Right to Heaven (1977), Baker Book House
Donald Barnhouse's Collection
The Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a large collection of Barnhouse’s papers. These papers include letters, photos, and audio recordings that show his personal and work life. The collection also has materials from his radio shows and his magazines, Revelation and Eternity. You can find his sermons, radio scripts, and even a diary about his life. The photos show his family, friends, ministry, and travels.
