If it is scandalous that so many Reformed churches have abandoned psalm-singing, David Preston has left them without excuse. His meticulously-crafted metrical versions provide an accurate and truly poetic text of all 150 psalms.
Many are in print, while others await a discerning publisher. Has his Psalm 84, ‘O LORD of hosts, how lovely is your dwelling place’ (to the Londonderry Air) any serious rivals?
David was born in Streatham, south London, converted to Christ as a teenage Crusader and, after school at Kennington, he read Modern Languages (plus Dip. Theol. and Dip. Ed.) at Keble College Oxford,
Nigeria
He subsequently taught French in Reading schools, with 11 years at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, where he met Mavis; they married in 1970. After a short spell as an editor with IVP, he returned to Reading, joining Carey Baptist Church. He gained his PhD in 1977. In 2008 the Prestons retired to Alweston near Sherborne, Dorset. St John’s Church, Yeovil became their spiritual home, where David’s keen prayerfulness was a regular encouragement.
His writing is represented in Sing Glory (1999), Christian Hymns (2004 edition), but chiefly in his own The Book of Praises: 70 Psalms for Singing Today (1986) and Praise! (2000). Humble enough to ask advice, he strongly but graciously defended the latter book’s policy in both inclusions and revisions. His musical expertise served him well as composer and arranger.
His earthly days ended very suddenly in Yeovil District Hospital; his literary gifts, warm friendship and clear convictions will be missed by all who knew him.
