Robert Lowry (March 12, 1826 – 25 November 1899) was an American preacher who became a popular writer of gospel music in the mid-to-late 19th century.

Between 1869 and 1875 he combined his pastoral work with a professorship in rhetoric at his alma mater, and later served as the university's chancellor.

[5] The university was then newly chartered, and its lack of premises meant that classes were held in the basement of the Baptist church.

By this time Lowry was building a reputation both as a preacher and hymn-writer, and he displayed his talents by organizing the college choir and teaching music to his fellow-students.

[12] Almost overcome by the heat, he suddenly envisaged the passage in the Book of Revelation, chapter 22: "And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb".

[4][5] During the following 30 years, often in conjunction with hymnwriters such as W. H. Doane and Ira D. Sankey, Lowry oversaw the production of more than 20 hymnals.

[6] Amid his various duties, Lowry continued to write hymns and compose tunes to existing words.

After travels in the south and west of the country, and in Mexico, he returned to Plainfield much refreshed, and resumed his pastoral work.

[1] Lowry was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, and in 1888 was invested as its national president for a two-year term, in succession to Governor Joseph B.

[9] The eulogist summarized Lowry's life and work thus: "His melodies and songs were but the expression of the man’s heart and his character, and they attracted all to him".

[6] Lowry is credited with the writing of more than 500 hymn tunes,[7] often supplying the text as well as the music – one of the earliest hymnwriters to do so.

[12] Thus, Lowry characterized "Shall We Gather" as brass band music, but he would adopt a more conventional hymn tone for reflective pieces such as "I Need Thee Every Hour" and "Savior, Thy Dying Love".

He had an ear for dramatic effect, exemplified in the contrast, in "Low In The Grave He Lay", between the solemn verses and the exultant chorus proclaiming the Resurrection.

[12][27] "We owe a debt of gratitude to him and so many others of his day who have enriched our garden of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and enabled us to teach and admonish one another even as we express our praise and devotion to our Lord musically."

"[1] The collections that Lowry supervised represented an important contribution to the 19th century Sunday School movement, and have continued their influence in the gospel music of the modern revival era.

[7] The Methodist hymnologist Carl F. Price describes the music of Lowry, Doane and Sankey as illustrating "the curve of the modern American prayer meeting tunes, as it proceeds from the more dignified rhythm of church music to the catchy, lively jingle of the popular ballad.

"[29] A hymn, Lowry said should be easily understood, reflecting the writer's own experiences with strong inspiring words.

[6] In 1911, twelve years after Lowry's death, a memorial stone was unveiled at the Park Avenue Baptist Church, Plainfield.