Come and Dine

Charles B. Widmeyer (Charles Brenton Widmeyer) was a prolific American gospel songwriter, composer, and music educator whose contributions significantly enriched early 20th-century Christian music. He was born in 1884 in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, and showed remarkable musical ability from a young age. At just twelve years old, he began studying vocal music under J. M. Cowgill, and by the age of fifteen, he was already teaching music classes and composing his own songs.

Widmeyer’s early start in music quickly developed into a lifelong vocation. His first published hymn, “Upon the Cross,” was written when he was only twenty years old, marking the beginning of a productive career. He later pursued formal training, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Bethany-Peniel College in Bethany, Oklahoma, which further refined his skills in composition and instruction.

Over the course of his life, Widmeyer wrote more than 350 gospel songs and contributed to numerous songbooks, both as an editor and composer. His works were widely used in church settings, revival meetings, and gospel singing events, reflecting the vibrant musical culture of American evangelical Christianity during his era.

His most famous hymn, “Come and Dine,” was inspired by his reading of John 21:12, where Jesus invites His disciples to eat after His resurrection. Widmeyer drew a powerful parallel between the disciples’ physical hunger and the spiritual hunger of people in his own day. This hymn emphasizes Christ’s invitation to believers to come and receive spiritual nourishment, portraying the Savior as the gracious host who provides abundantly for His people.

The impact of “Come and Dine” extended far beyond English-speaking audiences, as it was translated into multiple languages, including Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, and Serbian. This wide reach demonstrates the universal appeal of its message and the accessibility of Widmeyer’s writing style.

Widmeyer continued his musical and ministry work throughout his life and eventually passed away in California on December 14, 1974. His legacy endures through his many compositions, especially those that continue to be sung in churches and gospel gatherings.