Hugh T. McElrath

Hugh T. McElrath (1921–2011) was a towering figure in Southern Baptist church music and a pioneer in the academic study of hymnology. Born in Murray, Kentucky, McElrath dedicated over sixty years to the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, where he served as a professor of hymnology and later as the dean of the School of Church Music. He was instrumental in shaping the musical education of generations of ministers and music directors, emphasizing that church music should be both artistically excellent and theologically sound.

McElrath’s influence was cemented through his leadership in developing several major hymnals, most notably the 1991 Baptist Hymnal, for which he served as a primary editor. He co-authored the definitive textbook Sing with Understanding, which remains a standard resource for students and worship leaders seeking to understand the history, theology, and practical application of congregational song.

In terms of his own writing, McElrath is best known for the hymn "We praise you with our minds, O Lord" (often appearing in Spanish as "Con nuestras mentes, oh Señor"). Written in 1964, the hymn is a direct response to the biblical command to love God with all of one's mind. It challenges the worshiper to offer their intellectual life—their thoughts, studies, and reason—as a form of spiritual service. The hymn is frequently sung at university convocations and seminary graduations, reflecting McElrath’s belief that the "life of the mind" is a sacred calling.

Throughout his career, McElrath was a champion of ecumenism and global hymnody. He worked tirelessly to introduce American congregations to hymns from around the world, particularly from Asia and Latin America. He was a Fellow of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, the highest honor bestowed in his field. Even after his formal retirement, he continued to lead workshops and write, always encouraging the church to sing with both "spirit and understanding." He died in 2011, leaving a legacy of intellectual rigor and deep devotion to the "sung prayer" of the church.