Edmund S. (Edmund Simon) Lorenz

Born in North Lawrence, Ohio, on July 13, 1854, Edmund Simon Lorenz became a well-known figure in American church music. He was active as a composer, editor, and publisher, and is especially remembered for producing hymnals and song collections used in Sunday schools, young people's meetings, and revival services.

Lorenz came from a religious family and was connected with German immigrant church life as well as broader evangelical music publishing. Over the course of his career, he compiled and edited many collections of sacred music, helping popularize hymns and gospel songs for congregational use.

He died in Dayton, Ohio, on July 10, 1942. Today, he is chiefly remembered for the depth of his contribution to hymnody and for the practical, singable church music that carried his work into countless worship settings.