The Earliest Known Hymnodist

Clement of Alexandria (c. 150 – c. 215 ) is the author of the earliest Christian hymn of which the writer is known. It is believed that he was born in Athens and that his parents were pagans. Having rejected paganism as a young man due to its perceived moral corruption, he traveled in Greece, Asia Minor, Palestine and Egypt. In Greece, he encountered an Ionian theologian, who has been identified as Athenagoras of Athens; while in the east, he was taught by an Assyrian, sometimes identified with Tatian, and a Jew, who was possibly Theophilus of Caesarea.

He is the author of several religious texts, and the following hymn, translated from Greek to English by Henry M. Dexter in 1846 :

Shepherd of tender youth, guiding in love and truth Through devious ways; Christ our triumphant king, We come Thy name to sing and here our children bring To join Thy praise.

Thou art our holy Lord, O all subduing Word, Healer of strife. Thou didst Thyself abase That from sin’s deep disgrace Thou mightest save our race And give us life.

Thou art the great high priest; Thou hast prepared the feast Of holy love; and in our mortal pain, None calls on Thee in vain; help Thou dost not disdain, Help from above.

Ever be Thou our guide, our shepherd and our pride, Our staff and song; Jesus, Thou Christ of God, By Thine enduring Word lead us where Thou hast trod, Make our faith strong.

So now, and till we die, sound we Thy praises high And joyful sing; infants and the glad throng Who to Thy church belong, unite to swell the song To Christ, our king.

-source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clement_of_Alexandria