In Memoriam Alan Gaunt (1935–2023)

We mourn the passing at the age of 88 of the Reverend Alan Gaunt, minister of the United Reformed Church, poet and theologian, and an outstanding hymnwriter of his generation. Alan’s work has featured prominently in leading denominational hymnals including Common Praise and Rejoice and Sing, and in four Stainer & Bell single-author collections. Amongst his most anthologized hymns are ‘Come, living God, when least expected’, ‘Eternal God, your love’s tremendous glory’ and – perhaps his most treasured text – ‘We pray for peace’. In its plea for concord that is not ‘the easy peace built on complacency/ And not the truth of God’ it encapsulates his uncompromising dedication to his understanding of scripture, his ministry and his craft. Alan served Congregational and URC churches in different parts of the North of England from his ordination in 1958 to his retirement to the Wirral with his wife Winifred in 2000. He will be remembered by all inspired by his friendship and example, and by an even wider public through his lasting contribution to the canon of English hymnody.