Free Republic

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Dr. Richard W. Hillert, composer of well-known Lutheran liturgical music, and distinguished professor of music emeritus at Concordia University, River Forest, Ill., died Feb. 18, after an extended illness, according to the university's Web site. He was 86. A service of Holy Communion for Hillert will be held March 1 at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest. Hillert was best known for composing Setting One of Holy Communion in the Lutheran Book of Worship (1982), including "Worthy is Christ" with its familiar refrain, "This is the feast of victory for our God." The compositions also appear in Evangelical...