SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Gospel hymn writer John W. Peterson, who authored more than 1,000 hymns and 35 cantatas, died of cancer Sept. 20 in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 84.
Born in Lindsborg, Kan., Nov. 1, 1921, he served as a transport pilot in World War II. After the war, he attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and in 1953, he graduated from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Peterson worked as music editor at Singspiration, a sacred music publishing company. After the company was acquired by Zondervan Publishing House, he served as president and editor-in-chief for more than 10 years. Peterson also served on the board of Gospel Films Inc. of Muskegon, Mich. In 1986, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
His song titles include "It Took a Miracle," "So Send I You" and "Surely Goodness and Mercy." His cantatas and musicals, of which about 10 million copies have been sold, include "Night of Miracles" and "No Greater Love."
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