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I
PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPoRT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
VOL.6, N0.45
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
NOVEMBER 21, 1984
DWIGHT ARMSTRONG SUCCUMBS TO CANCER AT AGE 80
(The following will appear in the November 26 WORLDWIDE NEWS.)
SEQUIM, Wash.--Dwight Leslie Armstrong, 80, composer of the music in all
but 12 hymns in the Worldwide Church of God hymnal used in all congregations
worldwide, died of cancer Sabbath morning, November 17.
He was the youngest brother of Pastor General Herbert W. Armstrong. He is
survived by his wife, Karen, daughter Deborah, and his twin sister Mary
Lucile Edmonson of Portland, Oregon. Dwight was born in Des Moines, Iowa,
September 12, 1904.
In his early adult life he was employed in Portland. In the late 1920s or
1930, he moved to a farm near Molalla, Oregon, with his father and mother,
Horace �lon and Eve Wright Armstrong. He was a violinist and also played
the piano.
After the death of his father in early 1933, he continued on the farm until
about 1947. After the founding of Ambassador College that year, he moved
with his mother to San Gabriel, California.
At the time of the founding of Ambassador College in 1947, the pastor gener
al recognized his brother Dwight's talent for composing music. Mr. Arm
strong felt, since his conversion and entrance into the ministry, that the
people of God should sing the words God inspired to be sung, such as the
psalms, instead of Protestant hymns which sang primarily the praises of
people rather than praises to God.
The pastor general proposed that Dwight devote himself and his God-given
talent to composing the music for such a hymnal for God's Church. From that
time Dwight devoted himself primarily to composing the music sung in God's
Churches around the world.
Dwight Armstrong continued composing the music for more hymns up to his
final fatal illness. Even during the present year, 1984, he continued his
work. Several hymns more recently composed still remain to be published in
a later edition of the Church's hymnal.
During 1984 the pastor general sent a letter to the Church membership tell
ing of his brother being stricken with cancer. Several thousand letters
were sent by members to Dwight telling him of their appreciation and love
for his music sung in all Sabbath services.
These thousands of letters greatly moved Dwight Armstrong and probably ex
tended his life by many days and weeks.
Dwight Armstrong's beautiful music will remain behind him to give many
thousands of members inspiration and joy for years to come--and perhaps on
into the wonderful World Tomorrow during the coming Millennium in the King
dom of God. His work will live on after him.