Henry de Fluiter

Henry de Fluiter (1872–1970) was a prominent hymn writer, composer, and music director within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Born in the Netherlands, he immigrated to the United States as a young man, where he dedicated over seven decades of his life to music ministry. He was particularly active in the American West, serving for many years as a music leader for evangelistic efforts in California and the Pacific Northwest.

De Fluiter’s work is deeply reflective of the theological priorities of his denomination, particularly an emphasis on the Second Coming of Christ and the sanctity of God's word. His hymns were designed for congregational singing during "camp meetings" and large-scale revival services, characterized by melodies that were easy to learn and texts that focused on personal devotion and biblical prophecy.

One of his most enduring contributions is the hymn "Tell it to every kindred and nation," which serves as a stirring call to global missions. This text, appearing in several hymnals, captures the urgency of the early 20th-century missionary movement. Another of his widely recognized pieces is "Come let us sing of homeland," which focuses on the "heavenly country" and the hope of eternal life, a frequent theme in his writing.

De Fluiter was also known for his collaborative spirit, often writing both the words and music for his compositions. His hymn "Precious Redeemer, my brother and friend" highlights his focus on the intimate, relational aspect of faith. His influence extended into the Spanish-speaking world as well, with translations like "Quién en deslumbrante gloria," which remains in use in various South American and Spanish hymnals.

Throughout his incredibly long life—spanning nearly a century—Henry de Fluiter remained a "sweet singer" for his faith. He authored dozens of songs and choruses, many of which were featured in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal and other denominational collections. His legacy is one of steadfast service, providing the musical "soundtrack" for generations of believers looking forward to the "clouds of glory."