Warren, Norman Leonard

Composer

b Sydenham, S London 1934. Dulwich College, Corpus Christi Coll (Music and Mod Langs), and Ridley Hall, Cambridge; MA. Ordained (CofE) 1960; after a curacy at Bedworth, Warwicks, he served as incumbent in Leamington, Warwicks (1963–77) and Morden, Surrey (1977–88), before becoming archdeacon of Rochester, Kent, in 1989; after 12 years he retired to Chatham in 2001. A member of Jubilate Hymns and editorial groups for Youth Praise, 1966, 1969; Psalm Praise, 1973; Hymns for Today’s Church, 1982; Sing Glory, 1999 and other collections. He edited Jesus Praise in 1982, and has composed some 200 hymn and song tunes (with some lyrics), musical plays, and instrumental pieces especially for organ. Author of several Lion booklets including What’s the Point? and Why Believe? and the evangelistic Journey into Life (1963) which has sold some 40 million worldwide. In retirement he enjoyed the nearby river Medway, boating, and walking the dog; but remained involved with training for preachers, pastors, evangelists, and musicians in the Rochester diocese, while his wife Yvonne continued her counselling and other work. In 2006 they moved to Stratford-upon-Avon, near their family and former area of ministry. Nos.36, 49, 61*, 91B, 119A, 327*, 382*, 405, 471*, 629, 762, 798, 936, 976.