Donald Barnhouse

Donald Grey Barnhouse (March 28, 1895 – November 5, 1960), was an American Christian preacher, pastor, theologian, radio pioneer, and writer. He was pastor of the Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia from 1927 to his death in 1960. The Bible Study Hour, his pioneering radio program continues, now known as Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible.

Career Barnhouse pastored the Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia from 1927 until his death in 1960. He was a pioneer in preaching over the radio; his program was known as The Bible Study Hour. His broadcasts were taped and today the program continues to air as Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible. In 1949, he began a weekly, in-depth study of the Book of Romans on his program, which lasted until he died in 1960. He wrote many articles and books. For many years, Barnhouse held a Bible class on Monday evenings at Saint Luke's Lutheran Church near Times Square in Manhattan, which lasted until his death.

In 1931, Barnhouse began publishing Revelation, a magazine which published his sermons, expositions, and religious interpretations of current events. Revelation was published until 1950. Eternity published a memorial issue tribute and a cover story of Barnhouse shortly after his death.

C. Everett Koop, the former U.S. Surgeon General, attended the Tenth Presbyterian Church for more than 20 years. He said of Barnhouse:

"His authoritative voice held my attention, his physical appearance was arresting, and his preaching was teaching of the highest intellectual order... I always marveled at the simplicity of the faith of this very intelligent and learned man." In 1933, Dallas Theological Seminary awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) degree. Barnhouse was awarded the Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) degree in 1952 by the Aix-en-Provence Reformed Seminary in France, an institution associated with breakaway French Reformed churches that he actively supported. They had four children: sons Donald Jr. and David, and daughters Ruth and Dorothy.

Archives The Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia has a large collection of Barnhouse’s papers including correspondence, photographs and audio records documenting his personal and professional life. The collection includes materials from his media ventures: his broadcasts and the magazines Revelation and Eternity. Sermons, radio scripts, correspondences, articles, and a diary of his personal life are part of the collection. The Barnhouse collection also has photographs of his family, friends, ministry, and travels.