by Mary Jane Haemig

Abstract
German Hymnwriter Paul Gerhardt (1607–1676), often described as the most important Lutheran hymnwriter other than Martin Luther, has had an impact in America. His hymns helped shape the faith and ministry of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg (1711–1787), often described as the “father” of the Lutheran church in America. His hymns helped Lutherans to face the crisis of World War I. Since the eighteenth century Gerhardt hymns have appeared in North American Lutheran hymnals. Even today they appear in both Lutheran hymnals and the hymnals of other Christian groups. Lutherans observed the 300th anniversary of his birth in 1907 with celebrations for laity and clergy featuring Gerhardt’s hymns. Many articles in church periodicals described Gerhardt and his hymns. The 400th anniversary of his birth in 2007 gained some attention, in church publications and academic conferences, but generally less attention than in 1907.

Paul Gerhardt (1607–76) is commonly acknowledged as, after Martin Luther, the greatest hymnwriter of the Lutheran tradition.1 The author of over 100 hymns, many still sung  today, his life was marked by many difficulties, including confessional strife leading to the loss of his call in Berlin2 as well as the deaths of his wife and four children. Yet “the quality  of his hymns in terms of both poetry and doctrine has impressed them upon the  hearts and minds of all who share in his Lutheran confessional heritage.”3 In 2007 we 
marked not only the 400th anniversary of the birth of Paul Gerhardt but also the 400th anniversary of the first continuous English settlement in what is now the United States,  namely, Jamestown, Virginia. Much has changed in the intervening 400 years! What has 
been (and is) the reception, influence, and impact of Paul Gerhardt in America? 

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