Gary Alan Smith

Gary Alan Smith (born 1947) is an American United Methodist composer, church musician, editor, and worship-resource specialist whose career has combined congregational music, theological study, and denominational publishing. He grew up in the Methodist tradition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and began church-music work as a young adult in the congregation where he had been baptized. In 1972 he moved to Dallas for graduate study at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, pursuing the combined Master of Sacred Music and Master of Theology program. There he studied with hymnologist and hymnal editor Carlton R. Young, a formative mentor in his work as a church musician and editor.

Smith later served the United Methodist Publishing House and worked on the revision project that produced The United Methodist Hymnal in 1989. His responsibilities joined editorial work with composition for congregational and liturgical use. He subsequently edited The United Methodist Hymnal Music Supplement, published by Abingdon Press in 1991, and later served as general editor for Worship & Song. His published sacred music includes hymn tunes, psalm and canticle responses, choral materials, and the baptismal song Come, Be Baptized.

Smith's career illustrates the important editorial role played by church musicians who do more than compose individual pieces: they shape the resources through which congregations sing, pray, and respond to Scripture. His work has been especially connected with United Methodist worship, hymnal development, and practical music for congregational participation.