MacArthur had a 'universal' appeal.

Byline: The Register-Guard

John F. "Jack" MacArthur, a Christian radio host and pastor who had the unique ability to get through to children, college students, adults and his contemporaries, died Wednesday of age-related causes. He was 91.

"He had a really universal appeal," said MacArthur's daughter Jane Chase of Eugene. "He had a way of communicating to each and every person and making it contemporary to them."

MacArthur was the originator and director of "Voice of Calvary," a Christian radio and television program that has been broadcast on radio since 1942 and was on television from 1956 to 1983. He also served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Eugene for more than 10 years. He had lived primarily in Eugene since 1969.

MacArthur's son, John Jr., said he modeled his own Christian radio show, the internationally broadcast "Grace to You," after his father's successful program.

"He was clear, he was very logical, he was a real teacher," he said. "It was didactic and yet, it was passionate. He was that way in the pulpit, he was that way on the radio. I think he endeavored to make the Scripture clear."

MacArthur was born March 30, 1914, in Calgary, Alberta, to Harry and Olivia Fullerton MacArthur. He married Irene Dockendorf on June 25, 1937, in Los Angeles. She died Jan. 14, 1999.

He attended California public schools and Los Angeles City College, then studied for four years at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, from which he received a theological degree. He received a doctorate of literature degree from Pacific College, now Azusa Pacific University, and an honorary doctorate of divinity from Bob Jones University.

He worked as an evangelist, pastor and Bible teacher for most of his life. He served at Fountain Avenue Church in Hollywood, Calif., where he was co-founder of the Hollywood Christian Group, an outreach ministry to people in the film and television industries. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were close personal friends.

MacArthur founded Calvary Bible Church in Burbank, Calif., and was pastor of the church for 15 years. He later served as senior pastor of churches in Eugene, Illinois and British Columbia. He also served on the extension of the Moody Bible Institute and, later, as director of the Charles E. Fuller Evangelistic Foundation.

MacArthur's family said the emphasis of his ministry was biblical exposition, and he was noted for his careful scholarship, ability to communicate effectively and his versatility. He had published several books, including a study of the biblical book, First Peter, "So You Have Trouble?"; "Alpha and Omega," on the book of Revelation; "How to Stay Away from the Psychiatrist," on New Testament principles for living; and "Exploring in the Next World."

MacArthur didn't stop preaching until January. His family is not surprised that he stayed active as long as he did.

"I think he felt that his calling and his ministry was to teach the word of God and that was his life's work," Chase said. "It wasn't something that he ever stopped. It wasn't what he did, it was who he was."

The National Association of Religious Broadcasters presented MacArthur with a trophy in the early 1990s for his 50 years of ministry. He enjoyed spending time with his family, reading and golf.

MacArthur's radio show will continue to air until October, his son said.

Along with his son and daughter, survivors include another daughter, Jeanette DeAngelis of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a sister, Dorothy Turner of Eugene; 17 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. A daughter, Julie, died in 1997.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on June 28 at First Baptist Church, Eugene. Poole-Larsen Funeral Home in Eugene is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Masters Seminary in care of the funeral home.