Biography

David W. Aston was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on December 17, 1952. Growing up in South Williamsport, he was educated in public schools where he acquired a lifelong interest in music, writing and public speaking. He participated in many school activities including the concert and marching bands, Latin Club, the Voice of Democracy speech competition, and the award-winning school yearbook, for which he was a staff writer. His family was devoutly Christian and was actively involved in a local church. Mr. Aston served his congregation as a teacher, musician, group leader, friendly visitor, and in many other roles. While enrolled in the Christian Education program, he wrote a brief history of the congregation, excerpts of which can still be seen on the church's website.

Following graduation from high school, he attended Lock Haven State College (now Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania) as a Social Science Education major. Besides focusing on his major area studies, he also pursued his interests in music, writing and religion. He arranged and composed several short pieces, including three original pieces for solo French horn with piano accompaniment. He performed these three compositions for the music department chairperson and was awarded an "A" for beginner composition. He was a frequent contributor to the college newspaper and was appointed Business Manager of the college yearbook. He was active in a non-denominational religious fellowship group during his time at Lock Haven and became known among the campus community as a spokesperson for the "religious right."

Although his intention was to enter the teaching profession, Mr. Aston felt his true calling was to the pulpit. He began to develop his homiletic skills while still in college and occasionally preached at his home church. After two years of secular schooling he entered his Denomination's Bible School to study for ordination. During the two year Bible School program, he was appointed to represent the School at several events and conferences including the annual InterVarsity Missionary Conference held at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana campus. Following his ordination to the ministry, he served congregations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Ohio. He was frequently called upon to serve as a guest preacher for congregations throughout the northeastern United States. He and his older sister have the distinction of being the only family members to preach from the pulpit of their distinguished grandfather, Rev. D. William Aston.

After eight years of ministry, he resigned his ordination and returned to Pennsylvania to work as Director of a Salvation Army emergency housing shelter. A personal crisis of faith led him and his wife to begin searching for spiritual fulfillment outside of the traditional church. After visiting churches of several denominations, they still found no religious home. While his wife began to explore Judaism, Mr. Aston continued to challenge his own beliefs. It was then that they were attracted to a so-called "Messianic Jewish" congregation in Philadelphia. Continuing his personal studying and searching, he became dissatisfied with the teaching of this congregation and after a short time the family left to continue their search for spiritual fulfillment.

Learning more about traditional Judaism, Mr. Aston felt that he might at last find peace of soul there. The Astons began worshiping at a Conservative synagogue in suburban Philadelphia. Two years later Mr. Aston undertook studies for formal conversion to the Jewish faith, first through the Conservative movement and then under the guidance of an Orthodox rabbi. The entire family are observant Jews today. He has published a memoir of his spiritual journey entitled To the Promised Land.

A few years ago Mr. Aston revived his love of writing. He is the author of two works of fiction, Long Way Home and The Poor in Spirit. He is a well-received public speaker and has shared his unique experiences with several groups.

Mr. Aston and his wife are long-time advocates for the rights of special needs children and adults, both within the Jewish community and the general population. His hobbies include reading, magic (illusion), storytelling, music and cooking. He and Mrs. Aston have been married for more than forty years. They have three adult children. He lives with his family near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.