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Omer Westendorf

1916 - 1997 Person Name: Omer Westendorf, 1916-1907 Topics: Adoration and Praise Author of "Sent Forth by God's Blessing" in Hymns for a Pilgrim People Omer Westendorf, one of the earliest lyricists for Roman Catholic liturgical music in English, died on October 22, 1997, at the age of eighty-one. Born on February 24, 1916, Omer got his start in music publishing after World War II, when he brought home for his parish choir in Cincinnati some of the Mass settings he had discovered in Holland. Interest in the new music being published in Europe led to his creation of the World Library of Sacred Music, initially a music-importing firm that brought much of this new European repertoire to U.S. parishes. Operating out of a garage in those early years, Omer often joked about the surprised expressions of visitors who stopped by and found a wide range of sheet music in various states of “storage” (read disarray). Later, as World Library Publications, the company began publishing some of its own music, including new works with English texts by some of those same Dutch composers, for example, Jan Vermulst. In 1955 World Library published the first edition of The Peoples Hymnal, which would become the People's Mass Book in 1964, one of the first hymnals to reflect the liturgical reforms proposed by Vatican II. Omer also introduced the music of Lucien Deiss to Catholic parishes through the two volumes of Biblical Hymns and Psalms. Using his own name and several pen names, Omer composed numerous compositions for liturgical use, though his best-known works may be the texts for the hymns “Where Charity and Love Prevail,” “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing,” and especially “Gift of Finest Wheat.” As he lay dying, his family and friends gathered around his bed to sing his text “Shepherd of Souls, in Love, Come, Feed Us.” NPM honored Omer as its Pastoral Musician of the Year in 1985. --liturgicalleaders.blogspot.com/2008 =========================== Pseudonyms: Paul Francis Mark Evans J. Clifford Evers --Letter from Tom Smith, Executive Director of The Hymn Society, to Leonard Ellinwood, 6 February 1980. DNAH Archives.

Charles Wesley

1707 - 1788 Topics: Adoration and Praise; God Adoration and Praise; Jesus Christ Adoration and Praise Author of "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" in Voices United Charles Wesley, M.A. was the great hymn-writer of the Wesley family, perhaps, taking quantity and quality into consideration, the great hymn-writer of all ages. Charles Wesley was the youngest son and 18th child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, and was born at Epworth Rectory, Dec. 18, 1707. In 1716 he went to Westminster School, being provided with a home and board by his elder brother Samuel, then usher at the school, until 1721, when he was elected King's Scholar, and as such received his board and education free. In 1726 Charles Wesley was elected to a Westminster studentship at Christ Church, Oxford, where he took his degree in 1729, and became a college tutor. In the early part of the same year his religious impressions were much deepened, and he became one of the first band of "Oxford Methodists." In 1735 he went with his brother John to Georgia, as secretary to General Oglethorpe, having before he set out received Deacon's and Priest's Orders on two successive Sundays. His stay in Georgia was very short; he returned to England in 1736, and in 1737 came under the influence of Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians, especially of that remarkable man who had so large a share in moulding John Wesley's career, Peter Bonier, and also of a Mr. Bray, a brazier in Little Britain. On Whitsunday, 1737, [sic. 1738] he "found rest to his soul," and in 1738 he became curate to his friend, Mr. Stonehouse, Vicar of Islington, but the opposition of the churchwardens was so great that the Vicar consented that he "should preach in his church no more." Henceforth his work was identified with that of his brother John, and he became an indefatigable itinerant and field preacher. On April 8, 1749, he married Miss Sarah Gwynne. His marriage, unlike that of his brother John, was a most happy one; his wife was accustomed to accompany him on his evangelistic journeys, which were as frequent as ever until the year 1756," when he ceased to itinerate, and mainly devoted himself to the care of the Societies in London and Bristol. Bristol was his headquarters until 1771, when he removed with his family to London, and, besides attending to the Societies, devoted himself much, as he had done in his youth, to the spiritual care of prisoners in Newgate. He had long been troubled about the relations of Methodism to the Church of England, and strongly disapproved of his brother John's "ordinations." Wesley-like, he expressed his disapproval in the most outspoken fashion, but, as in the case of Samuel at an earlier period, the differences between the brothers never led to a breach of friendship. He died in London, March 29, 1788, and was buried in Marylebone churchyard. His brother John was deeply grieved because he would not consent to be interred in the burial-ground of the City Road Chapel, where he had prepared a grave for himself, but Charles said, "I have lived, and I die, in the Communion of the Church of England, and I will be buried in the yard of my parish church." Eight clergymen of the Church of England bore his pall. He had a large family, four of whom survived him; three sons, who all became distinguished in the musical world, and one daughter, who inherited some of her father's poetical genius. The widow and orphans were treated with the greatest kindness and generosity by John Wesley. As a hymn-writer Charles Wesley was unique. He is said to have written no less than 6500 hymns, and though, of course, in so vast a number some are of unequal merit, it is perfectly marvellous how many there are which rise to the highest degree of excellence. His feelings on every occasion of importance, whether private or public, found their best expression in a hymn. His own conversion, his own marriage, the earthquake panic, the rumours of an invasion from France, the defeat of Prince Charles Edward at Culloden, the Gordon riots, every Festival of the Christian Church, every doctrine of the Christian Faith, striking scenes in Scripture history, striking scenes which came within his own view, the deaths of friends as they passed away, one by one, before him, all furnished occasions for the exercise of his divine gift. Nor must we forget his hymns for little children, a branch of sacred poetry in which the mantle of Dr. Watts seems to have fallen upon him. It would be simply impossible within our space to enumerate even those of the hymns which have become really classical. The saying that a really good hymn is as rare an appearance as that of a comet is falsified by the work of Charles Wesley; for hymns, which are really good in every respect, flowed from his pen in quick succession, and death alone stopped the course of the perennial stream. It has been the common practice, however for a hundred years or more to ascribe all translations from the German to John Wesley, as he only of the two brothers knew that language; and to assign to Charles Wesley all the original hymns except such as are traceable to John Wesley through his Journals and other works. The list of 482 original hymns by John and Charles Wesley listed in this Dictionary of Hymnology have formed an important part of Methodist hymnody and show the enormous influence of the Wesleys on the English hymnody of the nineteenth century. -- Excerpts from John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907) ================== Charles Wesley, the son of Samuel Wesley, was born at Epworth, Dec. 18, 1707. He was educated at Westminster School and afterwards at Christ Church, Oxford, where he graduated M.A. In 1735, he took Orders and immediately proceeded with his brother John to Georgia, both being employed as missionaries of the S.P.G. He returned to England in 1736. For many years he engaged with his brother in preaching the Gospel. He died March 29, 1788. To Charles Wesley has been justly assigned the appellation of the "Bard of Methodism." His prominence in hymn writing may be judged from the fact that in the "Wesleyan Hymn Book," 623 of the 770 hymns were written by him; and he published more than thirty poetical works, written either by himself alone, or in conjunction with his brother. The number of his separate hymns is at least five thousand. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A., 1872.

J. H. Gilmore

1834 - 1918 Person Name: Joseph H. Gilmore Topics: Adoration and Praise Author of "He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought" in The United Methodist Hymnal Joseph H. Gilmore (b. Boston, MA, 1834; d. Rochester, NY, 1918) Educated at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, and Newton Theological Seminary, Newton, Massachusetts, Gilmore was ordained to the Baptist ministry in 1862. He served churches in Fisherville, New Hampshire, and Rochester, New York. In 1868 he was appointed to the English faculty at the University of Rochester, where he served until retirement in 1911. He published various literary works, including Outlines of English and American Literature (1905). Bert Polman ============ Gilmore, Joseph Henry, M. A., Professor of Logic in Rochester University, New York, was born at Boston, April 29, 1834, and graduated in Arts at Brown University, and in Theology at Newton Theological Institution. In the latter he was Professor of Hebrew in 1861-2. For some time he held a Baptist ministerial charge at Fisherville, New Hampshire, and at Rochester. He was appointed Professor at Rochester in 1868. His hymn, "He leadeth me, O blessed thought" (Ps. xxiii.), is somewhat widely known. It was written at the close of a lecture in the First Baptist Church, Philadelphia, and is dated 1859. It is in the Baptist Hymnal [and Tune] Book, Philadelphia, 1871. [Rev. F. M. Bird, M. A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Jean Calvin

1509 - 1564 Person Name: John Calvin Topics: Christ Adoration and Praise; Jesus Christ Adoration and Praise Author of "I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art" in The Hymnbook

Adoniram J. Gordon

1836 - 1895 Topics: Adoration and Praise Jesus Our Savior Composer of "GORDON" in The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration Adoniram J. Gordon (b. New Hampton, NH, 1836; d. Boston, MA, 1895) was educated at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, and Newton Theological Seminary, Newton, Massachusetts. After being ordained in 1863, he served the Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, and the Clarendon Street Baptist Church, Boston. A close friend of Dwight L. Moody, he promoted evangelism and edited The Service of Song for Baptist Churches (1871) as well as The Vestry Hymn and Tune Book (1872). Both Gordon College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary are named after Gordon. Bert Polman ================== Gordon, Adoniram Judson, D.D., born at New Hampton, N.H., Apr. 19, 1836. Graduated at Brown University, 1860; entered the Baptist ministry; Pastor of Clarendon Street Baptist Church, Boston, 1869; and died in 1895. He published The Vestry Hymn and Tune Book, 1872; and was one of the editors of the Service of Song for Baptist Churches, 1871. His hymns in common use include:— 1. O blessed Paraclete. [Holy Spirit .] Given in Sursum Corda, 1898, as having been written in 1890. 2. O Spirit's anointing, for service appointing . [Foreign Missions.] This hymn was "written in the summer of 1886, at Northfield School for Bible Study, organised by Mr. Moody. More than one hundred college students connected with this school gave themselves to the work of foreign missions during their stay at Northfield. Four of their number were chosen to visit the colleges in different parts of the country, and endeavour to awaken a deeper interest in missions during the succeeding academic year. At their request Dr. Gordon” wrote this hymn. Baptist Hymns and Hymn Writers. 3. Where art thou, soul! I hear God say. [Divine Chiding.] Published in social meeting edition of The Service of Song, 1881. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)

M. J. Harris

1865 - 1919 Person Name: Margaret J. Harris, 1865-1919 Topics: Adoration and Praise Author of "I Will Praise Him" in Rejoice Hymns Margaret Jenkins Harris USA 1865-1919. Born in Rushville, IL, she married evangelist, John Harris, and they were active in holiness meetings as musicians and song evangelists. She played the organ for accompaniment to their duets. She was also known as an effective preacher with strong messages. She was a member of the Iowa Holiness Association. She and her husband served as music directors for the 1901 General Holiness Convention in Chicago, IL. She also edited the “Glorious Gospel In Song” hymnbook for the Christian Witness Publishing Company of Chicago. She died in Miami, FL. John Perry

John Stainer

1840 - 1901 Person Name: John Stainer, 1840-1901 Topics: Adoration and Praise Composer of "LOVE DIVINE" in Together in Song

Robert Harkness

1880 - 1961 Topics: Adoration and Praise Jesus Our Savior Arranger of "HYFRYDOL" in The Celebration Hymnal After attending a revival meeting by Reuben Torrey and Charles M. Alexander, Harkness became Alexander’s pianist. He came to Christ shortly thereafter (on a bicycle, he said), and made several round the world tours with Torrey and Alexander. Harkness was especially well known for his program The Music of the Cross, and as the author of correspondence courses in hymn playing. He wrote over 2,000 hymns and Gospel songs in his lifetime. (hymntime.com/tch)

George Croly

1780 - 1860 Topics: Adoration and Praise Author of "Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart" in Christian Youth Hymnal Croly, George, LL.D., born in Dublin, Aug. 17, 1780, and educated at the Dublin University (M.A. 1804, LL.D. 1831). After taking Holy Orders, he laboured in Ireland till about 1810, when he took up his residence in London, and devoted himself to literature. In 1835 he succeeded to the united benefices of St. Stephen's, Walbrook, and St. Benet Sherehog, retaining the same till his death, which occurred suddenly in the public street, Holborn, Nov. 24, 1860. His prose publications, in addition to contributions to Blackwood's Magazine, were numerous, and dealt with biographical, historical, and scriptural subjects. His hymns were given in his— Psalms and Hymns for Public Worship. Written and compiled by the Rev. George Croly, LL.D. London Kendrick, 1854. This collection contained 25 psalms, 50 hymns, and 6 poems. Of these 10 psalms, 12 hymns, and the 6 poems bear Dr. Croly's initial. The following have come into common use mainly through Windle's Collection:— 1. Be still, be still, impatient soul. Patience. 2. Behold me, Lord, and if thou find. Lent. 3. Lift up your heads, ye gates of light. Ascension. 4. Lord, who hast sought us out, unsought. Public Worship. 5. Teach us, O Lord, this day. Sunday. 6. Thou, Lord of mercy and of might. Lent. All these date from 1854, with the exception of No. 6, which appeared in his Scenes from Scripture and other Poems, 1851. -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Hal H. Hopson

b. 1933 Person Name: Hal Hopson Topics: Adoration and Praise; Jesus Christ Adoration and Praise Composer (descant) of "DIADEMATA" in Voices United Hal H. Hopson (b. Texas, 1933) is a prolific composer, arranger, clinician, teacher and promoter of congregational song, with more than 1300 published works, especially of hymn and psalm arrangements, choir anthems, and creative ideas for choral and organ music in worship. Born in Texas, with degrees from Baylor University (BA, 1954), and Southern Baptist Seminary (MSM, 1956), he served churches in Nashville, TN, and most recently at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. He has served on national boards of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians and the Choristers Guild, and taught numerous workshops at various national conferences. In 2009, a collection of sixty four of his hymn tunes were published in Hymns for Our Time: The Collected Tunes of Hal H. Hopson. Emily Brink