Robert Lowry composer / arranger

Robert Lowry (* 12 March 1826 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; † on 25 November 1899 in Plainfield, New Jersey) was an American professor of literature, Baptist minister and composer of numerous revival songs.

Robert Lowry studied theology at what is now Bucknell University in Lewisburg. After graduating in 1854 he was ordained as a Baptist minister. He led various congregations in New York, Brooklyn, West Chester, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other places. From 1880 to 1886 he was also president of the New Jersey Baptist Sunday School Union.

In 1869 he returned to the University of Lewisburg to teach.

For the most part, however, Lowry is known as a composer of revivalist sacred music. Many of his approximately 500 revival songs have been translated into German and other languages. Lowry also worked as an editor of musical works for the Biglow Publishing Company. In spite of his musical success, Robert Lowry wanted to see himself more as a preacher than as a musician throughout his life. In terms of content, he once said: "Music was always only a secondary matter. I would rather preach the gospel to a willing audience in a church service than write a song. I have always seen myself as a preacher, and I am somewhat disappointed that I am now better known as a composer. However, it is precisely this musical heritage that Lowry has made famous to this day. For example, his song Shall We Gather at The River has been used repeatedly in films, some of which have won awards (e.g. the western "Hang him higher").

Robert Lowry was married and had three sons. He died on 23 November 1899 in Plainfield, New Jersey.