He was a theologian, pastor and translator born in Easton, Pennsylvania, who studied at Philadelphia’s Theological Seminary and after graduation he became a pastor.
He held posts in Trenton, New Jersey, and Scranton, Pennsylvania from 1901 to 1915 and 1915 to 1938 respectively. In 1939 he stepped into the world of education and became Professor of Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
As a translater he translated a version of the carol “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” in 1914, the hymn “O Spirit of Life” and Adolf Koberle’s book Quest for Holiness.
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming recordings
Leroy Anderson and His Orchestra
Decca B0003552-02 (CD: A Leroy Anderson Christmas)
Cambridge Singers and City of London Sinfonia recordings
(listed as “A Spotless Rose”)
Collegium 106 (CD: Christmas Night. Carols of The Nativity)
Conductor – John Rutter
Chicago Symphony Low Brass Ensemble
VOX 7501 (CD: Christmas with the Symphony Brass of Chicago)
Conductor – Barry Faldner
Robert Shaw Chorale
RCA 6429 – 2 – RG (CD: A Festival of Carols)
(Arrangers – Robert Shaw/Alice Parker)
Sources:
- http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/m/a/t/mattes_jc.htm
- http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?r=1&ean=9781592448395
- http://hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/lo_how_a_rose_eer_blooming4.htm