Christian Gottlob Kern

Kern, Christian Gottlob, was born Jan. 13, 1792, at Söhnstetten, near Heidenheim, Württemberg, where his father was pastor. After the completion of his theological studies at Tübingen he was for two years assistant clergyman at Plochingen. In 1817 he became Theological Tutor (repetent) at Tübingen, in 1820 Second Pastor (Heifer) at Besigheim, and, in 1824, Preacher and Professor at the Clergy School of Schönthal. He finally became, in 1829, Pastor of Dürrmenz-Mühlacker, near Pforzheim, and died there Aug. 5, 1835 (Koch, vii. 210; Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie, xv. 632). His hymns appeared mostly in Knapp's Christoterpe. One has been translated, viz.:—

Wie könnt ich sein vergessen. Holy Communion. This beautiful hymn was first published in Knapp's Christoterpe, 1837, p. 192, in 5 st. of 8 1., headed "At the Celebration of Holy Communion." Included in Knapp's Evangelischer Lieder-Schatz, 1837, No. 966 (1865, No. 948), the Württemberg Gesang-Buch, 1842, and others. Dr. Schaff, in his Deutsches Gesang-Buch, J874, No. 171, gives it from a MS. copy supplied by the daughter of the author, and says it was written in 1820. Translated as:—
Oh how could I forget Him? A full and very good translation by Miss Winkworth, in her Lyra Germanica, 2nd Ser., 1858, p. 101; and thence in Schaff’s Christ in Song, 1869, p. 622. Abridged in her C. B. for England, 1863; in Holy Song, 1869; in the College Hymnal, N. Y., 1876, and others. Another tr. is, "Will not my memory treasure," in J. D. Burns's Memoir & Remains, 1869, p. 271.

[Rev. James Mearns, M.A.]

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)