Charles B. Widmeyer

Widmeyer, Charles B. (Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, 1884--California, December 14, 1974). Studied vocal music from age 12 under J.M. Cowgill; at age 15 began teaching classes of his own. First song was written at age 15. The first one published, "Upon the Cross," was written at age 20.

Bachelor of Music degree from Bethany-Peniel, Bethany, Oklahoma. Wrote more than 350 songs; edited or contributed to many songbooks. "Come and Dine" was written following the reading of John 21:12 and his meditation on the similarity between the tired, hungry disciples and people of his day both spiritually and physically hungry; translated into Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, and Serbian.

--E. Roger Taylor, DNAH Archives