About
Prolific German composer of church hymns. His most famous compositions include "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded," "If Jesus Be My Friend," and "O World, See Here Your Life."
Before Fame
He studied at the University of Wittenberg and later began a career as a pastor.
Trivia
He attempted to heal the divisions between Lutheran and Reformed clergymen through organizing a series of talks between the two sides, but his efforts were largely unsuccessful.
Family Life
He was married to Anna Maria Barthold.
Associated With
He and Charles Wesley were both important hymn writers.
