The Story Behind Christ Arose! Low in the Grave He Lay
"Christ Arose (Low in the Grave He Lay)" was written and composed by Robert Lowry in 1874 and first published in Brightest and Best, 1875. Today, it is often remembered by the first line of its refrain, "Up from the grave He arose."
Robert Lowry was born in Philadelphia, 1826. His affection for music was exhibited in his earliest years. As a child, he entertained himself with the many musical instruments in his possession. At the age of seventeen, he joined the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia and soon became an active worker in the Sunday-school as teacher and chorister.
According to hymnary.org, Dr. Lowry was a man of rare administrative ability, a most excellent preacher, a thorough Bible student, and whether in the pulpit or upon the platform, always a brilliant and interesting speaker. He was of a genial and pleasing disposition, and a high sense of humor was one of his most striking characteristics. Very few men had greater ability in painting pictures from the imagination. He could thrill an audience with his vivid descriptions, inspiring others with the same thoughts that inspired him.
His melodies are sung in every civilized land, and many of his hymns have been translated into foreign tongues. While preaching the Gospel, in which he found great joy, was his life-work, music and hymnology were favorite studies but were always a side issue, a recreation.
Watch and listen to the amazing performances of this hymn below!
