Robert Lowry, writes "Shall We Gather at the River?" (or simply "At the River"), today a traditional Christian hymn, in 1864.

Lowry, born in Philadelphia, had studied theology at the University at Lewisburg (now Bucknell University) and on graduating, in 1854, had become ordained as a Baptist minister.

He has charge of churches in a number of places including the Bloomingdale Baptist Church in New York; the Hanson Place Baptist Church in Brooklyn; and others in West Chester, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Lowry is most remembered as a composer of gospel music and a hymn writer, and also works as a music editor at the Biglow & Main Publishing Company.

In all, his output will total around five hundred compositions, including "Nothing But the Blood," "Christ Arose" ("Low in the Grave He Lay") (words and music)," "Shall We Gather At The River?," and "How Can I Keep From Singing?"

He also writes the music and refrain for "Marching to Zion" (words by Isaac Watts).

Despite his success as a hymn writer, it is as a preacher that Lowry would prefer to be recognized.

He once stated: "Music, with me has been a side issue... I would rather preach a gospel sermon to an appreciative audience than write a hymn. I have always looked upon myself as a preacher and felt a sort of depreciation when I began to be known more as a composer." (Butterworth, Hezekiah. The Story of the Tunes. New York: American Tract Society (1890) .p. 165).

However, it is as a hymn writer that he remains renowned.