A Churchman and a Saint

I did not have the privilege of regularly sitting at the feet of the Rev. Henry Gerike, since I went to the Fort Wayne seminary and he taught at St. Louis. I only know about his work and pedigree from what I have read and what others whom I respect have said. It is evident that his influence was enormous. He was a musician of the finest caliber, and his large repertoire of beautiful hymn arrangements speaks for itself.

Although I didn’t know the man personally, one time I did have the occasion to be in a choir he directed. One time, that’s all. And that’s all it took. It was about a decade ago, at one of those synodical liturgical gatherings, held at Concordia in Seward. They were asking for volunteers to form a choir for the Divine Service to be held for the occasion, so I went. I had heard of Rev. Gerike, of course. His name graces a number of pages in the Lutheran Service Book, since he has provided beautiful settings for many hymns, and he has produced a long list of choral arrangements. But meeting the man and singing under his direction was an unforgettable experience. Seldom is the piety and unassuming humility of a churchman so quickly discerned. I was, I instantly knew, in the presence of a man seriously dedicated to glorifying his Savior through the dignity of liturgical singing done well. I told him I felt honored to have been able to sing in his choir, even if only that one time. And that one time had a lasting impression on me.

R.I.P. Henry V. Gerike, + 1948 - 2025 +