Robert Lowry

From Wind Repertory Project
Robert Lowry

Biography

Robert Lowry (12 March 1826, Philadelphia, Penn. – 25 November 1899, Plainfield, N.J.) was an American literature professor, Baptist clergyman and composer. 

Lowry studied theology at the present Bucknell University in Lewisburg. After graduating in 1854 he was ordained as a Baptist minister. Between 1869 and 1875 he combined his pastoral work with a professorship in rhetoric at his alma mater, and later served as the University's chancellor. From 1868 he acted as hymnals editor to Biglow and Main, the country's leading publisher of gospel and Sunday School music; under his supervision more than 20 hymnals were produced by the firm, many of wide and enduring popularity.

Rev. Lowry is largely known as a composer of sacred revival music. Many of his 500 revival songs were translated into German and other languages. Lowry also worked as editor of musical works for the Bigelow Publishing Company. Despite his musical success Robert Lowry was considered more of a preacher, and less as a musician. He once said:"…Music has always been only a minor matter. I'd rather the gospel in a church preach to an attentive audience than to write a song.  I myself have always seen myself as a preacher and I'm better known as a composer. " However, this same musical heritage has made Lowry known until today. His best-known hymns include Shall We Gather at the River, Christ Arose! and Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.


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