Organist Alexander Schreiner Dies

Alexander Schreiner, who served as Salt Lake Tabernacle organist from 1924 to 1977, died September 15 in Salt Lake City. He was 86.

“We are saddened by the passing of Alexander Schreiner, who served the Church as Tabernacle organist for more than half of his long life,” the First Presidency said in a statement issued September 16. “He contributed to the Church through thousands of organ recitals and several decades of performing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. His artistry was widely recognized in music circles and his compositions for the organ are used by church organists throughout the world. We express our sympathy to his family members and know they will be comforted in the knowledge that his long and productive life has left behind a legacy which will continue to lift and bless those who love beautiful music.”

The several Church hymns he composed include “While of These Emblems We Partake” and “God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son.”

Brother Schreiner was born in Nuremberg, Germany, on 31 July 1901. His family immigrated to the United States in 1912, and he became a U. S. citizen in 1920.

His funeral was held September 19 in Salt Lake City.