J. Alfred Schehl

J. Alfred Schehl was a prominent Cincinnati composer, choirmaster, and church organist. At age 16, he was employed as an organist at St. Stanislaus Church and became a violinist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He attended Xavier University and the Cincinnati College of Music before studying in Rome for a year. In 1906, Schehl was appointed as the assistant conductor of the famed May Festival. He served at St. John Church and Holy Trinity Church before settling at St. Lawrence in 1912, where he remained for 47 years. J. Alfred Schehl compiled and edited the St. Cecilia Hymnal, the official hymnal of several Catholic archdioceses. Additionally, he wrote over fifty major compositions—both sacred and secular—including eight masses, several motets, and numerous volumes of organ music. His music was heard around the world and was performed in various churches, regardless of creed.