Hymn of the Week: “Sing Praise to Our Creator”

“Sing Praise to Our Creator” is a 20th-century hymn written by Omer Westendorf. A Cincinnati native, he began publishing liturgical music after he returned from WWII, bringing with him sacred music he discovered in Holland.

Omer was struck with a love for liturgical music from all over the world and was determined to share his interest, so he started the World Library of Sacred Music. While it sounds fancy, the library was run out of his garage at its inception. Once it got off the ground Omer changed the name to World Library Publications and began publishing hymnals with Catholic tunes from all over the world, as well as music of his own composition.

Omer composed many hymns under his own name and several pen names. His most famous compositions are “Where Charity and Love Prevail,” “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing,” and especially “Gift of Finest Wheat.” On his deathbed he requested that his family and friends gathered sing “Shepherd of Souls, in Love, Come, Feed Us.”