Johann Olearius (1611–1684)
Born: September 17, 1611, Halle
Died: April 24, 1684, Weissenfels
Dr. Johann Olearius, a hymnologist of our church, was born 1611 in Halle. He served as General Superintendent and Chief Court Preacher for Duke August of Saxony in Halle, and afterwards held the same position in Weissenfels, where he died 1684. He published the Art of Spiritual Song (Geistliche Singe-Kunst), 1671, a comprehensive collection of the hymns available at that time. His hymn “Lord, Open Thou My Heart to Hear (Herr, öffne mir die Herzenstür)” serves as a silent prayer upon entrance into church.