While best known as a hymn-writer, Herman G. Stuempfle was a preacher and teacher of preaching, as well as a seminary administrator. Born in Clarion PA in 1923, he was a graduate of Susquehanna University and Gettysburg Seminary. After serving as pastor of several congregations in Maryland and Pennsylvania, he became associate director of the Board of Social Missions of the United Lutheran Church in America. In 1962 he became professor of homiletics at Gettysburg Seminary; his book, Preaching Law and Gospel has been a standard textbook for generations.
In 1971 he became dean of that seminary, and in 1976 until his retirement in 1989 he served as president. He wrote hundreds of hymn texts, mostly after his retirement, which in their insight into Scripture and application of those passages to present life carried on his homiletic commitments. Many of his hymns have been published in collections by GIA Publications, Inc., and are included in American and English hymnals of many denominations. Stuempfle was a Fellow of the Hymn Society of the United States and Canada, and received the Faithful Servant award from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.