Rev. Robert Nelson McIntyre, 89, Reformed Episcopal pastor

The Rev. Robert Nelson McIntyre, 89, of Doylestown, a pastor in the Reformed Episcopal Church, died Thursday, July 3, of Parkinson's disease at his home.

Born in Philadelphia, he graduated from Northeast High School in 1942 and attended Philadelphia College of the Bible and Temple University. He graduated from the Reformed Episcopal Theological Seminary in 1956.

Mr. McIntyre joined the Navy in 1943 and served in the Pacific. His military discharge papers show that he trained at various naval stations before being assigned to a flight crew. He was discharged in April 1946 with the rank of aviation machinist's mate second class.

He told his family about a harrowing experience that shaped his later life. During World War II, he was a turret gunner on a night bombing run over Japan. Fuel was running low, and the plane faced a risky landing on an aircraft carrier that was running without lights for security reasons.

"He promised God that he would serve him with his entire life, if his life would be spared when flying back to his aircraft carrier," his family said in a tribute.

Mr. McIntyre made it back safely to the carrier and kept his promise, his family said. He became a pastor in the Reformed Episcopal Church.

He started three churches in Bucks County: St. Philip's in Warminster in 1955, Emmanuel Church of Four Brooks in Pipersville in 1962, and Redemption Church, Center Valley, in 1991.

Called "Mr. Mac" by parishioners and campers, he was the founder and first director of Four Brooks Reformed Episcopal Bible Conference in Pipersville. He also served as president of the International Christian Camp and Conference Association.

The Reformed Episcopal Church expanded its reach to the West Coast, but Mr. McIntyre never lost his personal touch as a cleric. "His sense of humor, smile, and love for the Lord were evident to all who met him," his family said.

He was married for 66 years to Margaret June Golle McIntyre, who survives. He also is survived by daughters Melody McIntyre Nichols, Robin Lynn Swann, and Dawn Sherrie Miller; a son, Robert Keith; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at Emmanuel Reformed Episcopal Church of Four Brooks, 80 Smithtown Rd., Pipersville. Interment was in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

Contributions may be made to a missionary of the donor's choice, or to the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center PVAMC/PADRECC, 3900 Woodland Ave. No. 127-P, Philadelphia 19104, Attention: Dawn McHale.