Heavenly Father, to Thee We Pray

Dr. John William Read (1933–2022)

Dr. John Read was an American Seventh-day Adventist educator, musician, and ordained minister whose work significantly influenced choral and congregational music within his denomination. Born in Lufkin, Texas, on April 25, 1933, Read’s life was defined by a dual vocation in music and ministry, leading him from college music departments to pastoral leadership.

Read’s professional journey was deeply rooted in Christian education. He earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of North Texas in 1968 and spent 18 years at Southwestern Adventist University (then Southwestern Union College), where he served as the chairman of the music department. During his tenure, he was known for his rigorous standards and for leading college choirs on international tours, even navigating the challenges of performing sacred music in communist-era Romania.

As a hymn-writer and composer, Read was motivated by a practical desire to provide high-quality yet accessible music for amateur church choirs. To this end, he founded Clarion Call Music, a publishing house that produced choral octavos, solo collections, and The Chapel Hymnbook. His most recognized contribution to congregational singing is the hymn "Heavenly Father, to Thee We Pray," which was included in the 1985 Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. The hymn is often used as a call to worship or a response, emphasizing a prayerful start to the Sabbath.

In his later years, Read transitioned into full-time pastoral ministry, serving various districts in and around Dallas, Texas. Even as an ordained minister, he maintained his "first love" for music, frequently organizing large-scale performances of works like Handel's Messiah for his congregations. He passed away on January 9, 2022, in Cleburne, Texas, leaving a legacy of musical excellence and pastoral care.