In conjunction with the Milligan Hymn Festival, the music department and Arts Council are pleased to present a talk and demonstration by internationally renowned hymn writer Dr. Mary Louise Bringle, who will discuss her process as a hymn writer and the continuing vital importance of hymnody in worship. Bringle serves as Professor of Philosophy, Religion, and French, and chair of the Humanities Division at Brevard College. For over 20 years, she has been a much-celebrated writer of hymn texts that illustrate her commitment to creating new traditional worship music that is relevant to 21st century congregations. Her award-winning texts come from both her training as a theologian and her life’s work as an educator paired with her heart for the Church. Her hymn texts are included in a broad ecumenical range of hymnals including for Presbyterian (USA), Mennonite, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Episcopalian, United Church of Canada, and Church of Scotland. In addition, Dr. Bringle’s publications in the field of hymnology include Joy and Wonder, Love and Longing, In Wind and Wonder, and Introducing Glory to God. She has served as President of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada (THS) and received their highest award in 2020 for her work as a hymn writer, translator, educator, scholar, and committee chair for the creation of the Glory to God hymnal.