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Dr. John Henry Galbreath
Dr. John Henry Galbreath
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John Galbreath Obituary
DR. JOHN HENRY
Dr. John H. Galbreath, 85, died quietly on Monday, Jan. 23, 2006. Born in Pittsburgh, he is survived by his wife Joan C. Galbreath; six children and 10 grandchildren. Dr. Galbreath founded the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh in 1946. He served there until he became director of the Council of Theological Seminaries in 1979. During WWII, he served with the 5th Division Marines as a chaplain during the Battle of Iwo Jima and the occupation of Japan. His early ministry in Pittsburgh was interrupted when he was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict. Dr. Galbreath was founding president of the South Hills Child Guidance Center and the South Hills Interfaith Ministry. He was instrumental in founding the South Hills Community Council for Older Adults and served as president of Planned Parenthood in Pittsburgh. He was a board member on the Council of Churches of Allegheny County, South Hills Association for Racial Equality and the Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights. Active in the civil rights movement, he participated in the march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. During his ministry, he was moderator of the Pittsburgh Presbytery and vice moderator of the General Assembly. In 1979, he was chosen Man of the Year in Religion by the Pittsburgh Jaycees. After retiring to Black Mountain, NC in 1985, he held interim pastorates in Hendersonville and Black Mountain, NC, Rock Hill, SC and in San Salvador, El Salvador. Dr. Galbreath held the Bachelor of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and Doctorate of Divinity degrees from Westminster, Waynesburg, and Washington and Jefferson colleges. A Memorial Service will be held March 25 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church General Fund or Westminster Outreach to Mission Fund.
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5 Entries
chuck johnston
March 24, 2006
My grandmother told me that in 1950, she and my grandfather travelled all the way from Donora to visit the little church on Gilfillan's farm. She said my grandfather's comment was "why would anyone build a church way out here?" Times surely did change since then, and as fate would have it, our family began attending Westminster in the early 1970's. And how the little chapel has grown since the early days. Once we had a guest from England attend service with us, and he was astonished that police had to direct traffic to accomodate the crowd. We can look at the bricks and pillars and see tangible evidence of Dr. Galbreath's service to Jesus. However more important is he laid the foundation for my faith and the faith of many others. A true servant of Jesus. May his soul rejoice in eternity. Deepest sympathy to family and loved ones. Truly he was a great man.
Barbara Huddart McCoy
January 31, 2006
My prayers are with your family.
John was always a "ready friend" to me and my family.
Phillip Kribbs
January 31, 2006
I was a member of the Dormont Presby church but often visited Westminster. I enjoyed Dr. Galbreath. I am an old friend of Hetz Marsh and would love to hear from him. I extend my sympathy. PCK
Michael L. McGrael
January 30, 2006
My deep sympathy to Glenn as well as to his entire family in this time of their deep loss.
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Melissa Heinlein
January 29, 2006
As I was reading the paper this Sunday, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Galbreath. As a child, I attended Westminster Presbyterian Church with my grandparents each Sunday. I would visit the library as often as possible, and as I got older I helped my grandmother, Imogene Balsley work in the library. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
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