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 Elon 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 general recognized his brother Dwight's talent for composing music. Mr. Armstrong 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 telling 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 extended 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 Kingdom of God. His work will live on after him.
