To be above with the saints we love, that would be glory. But to be below, with the saints we know, now that’s another story.

Our beloved founder, Dr. John DeBrine, passed away peacefully during the night on March 3, 2021 at the age of 96. John dedicated his life to the Kingdom of Heaven and has been promoted to glory. Surely he has heard Jesus say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

John was born on January 15, 1925 in the outskirts of Rochester, NY where he was saved through the efforts of a radio broadcast. A passion for radio would eventually lead him into his most prominent ministry. A local pastor recognized John’s unique gifts and began to encourage him from a young age. John’s education included Bob Jones University, Houghton College, and a masters in communication from Boston University. He was later distinguished with an honorary doctorate for his many years of faithful service. His mentors included the great Percy Crawford and Donald Grey Barnhouse.

After taking a pastoral position at Ruggles Street Baptist Church in Boston, John developed a heart for the local youth. Working with Youth for Christ, John started hosting Saturday night rallies called “Youthtime” which would reach thousands of young people, brought in by buses, lining the streets of downtown Boston. 

Concerned that there was no Christian music playing on the radio, John went to the local radio station, WMEX, and asked for free air time. He was proclaimed the first Christian disc jockey by the Boston papers as he developed the format for what would eventually become “Songtime Radio.” Established in 1963, John’s radio ministry started out in the broom closet of his Church and eventually grew into a full time career. With countless requests to travel and speak, John stepped down from the pastorate to dedicate his energy to Songtime. 

John would travel with the Billy Graham Crusades and run commentary and interviews on the radio. He would speak at the National Religious Broadcaster’s Convention and spark a new wave for Christian Media. 

Always a fan of baseball, John would serve as the chaplain for the Boston Redsox, and use the games as an opportunity to disciple young men. John was an only child. He was never married and never had any children of his own, but He was committed to reaching the next generation for Christ. Many saw him as a father figure and were evangelized through his faithful witness. 

John was known for his wit and wisdom. He would often say, "To be above with the saints we love, that would be glory. But to be below, with the saints we know, now that’s another story." Often in his interactions with people, he would ask them, “What in your life is only explainable by God?” Later in his life, whenever he would lose another friend, John would respond with “Good for them.” Every time he sent out a note of condolence he would include Psalm 116:15,  “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Possibly one of John’s most powerful sermons was on the subject of “Death and Dying” where he would explain, “Christians die differently.”

After serving with Songtime for 50 years, John retired and entrusted the ministry to a young man he had discipled, Adam Miller. The legacy of John will live on as Songtime continues to encourage people each day to “Grow in grace, so they won’t groan in disgrace.”

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