This Day in Christian History: March 12 March 12, 1607: Birth of Paul Gerhardt Birth of Paul Gerhardt was born March 12, 1607 in Germany. Paul married Anna Maria Barthold shortly after receiving his first ecclesiastical appointment in a small town near Berlin. Paul and Anna had five children, but only one survived to adulthood. Amidst his grief, Paul wrote over 130 hymns. Paul was a great advocate for unity among the Reformed and Lutheran clergy, however, his efforts and conferences lacked success. This ended in Paul's removal from his position when the Elector issued his " syncretistic " edict. Paul lived in Berlin for over a year without employment, and his wife died during this time, leaving him with only his one surviving child. He died on 27 May 1676, at the age of 69.   Gerhardt is considered Germany's best hymn writer. He penned one of my favorite hymns, "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded." My favorite line in the song is, "O make me Thine f...