He was a hymn writer, lyricist, translator, music director and author born in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In 1950 he established the World Library of Sacred Music in Cincinnati, which also became known as World Library Publications. Five years later the company became the publisher of the nationally popular The People’s Hymnal and it was soon being used nationally in many of the Catholic churches.
Over the course of his career he wrote/re-wrote/translated the text to many hymns such as “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, “Praise God in This Holy Dwelling” and “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” and “Sing Out Your Praise”. In 1964 he wrote a set of words to the popular Welsh tune “The Ash Grove” which became the hymn “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing”.
In 1971 his company was sold to the J.S. Paluch Company but he carried on with his work and was the music director for a Franciscan Choir on the recording Latin High Mass for Nostalgic Catholics.
As an author he wrote books such as Music Lessons for the Man in the Pew and Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist.
Sources:
- https://www.wlp.jspaluch.com/wlp/about.asp?find_category=&find_description=&find_part_desc=
- http://www.hymnary.org/person/Westendorf_O
- http://www.gurman.org/ashgrove/
- http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/3350767
- http://www.jmjstore.org/store/Products_Detail.asp?prodno=M1067
- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814620396/ref=cap_pdp_dp_1