Luther Orlando Emerson (1820-1915) was born in Parsonsfield, Maine. He originally planned to be a doctor, attending Parsonsfield Seminary and Effingham Academy. Changing his direction, he studied under the well-known music teacher Isaac Woodbury. He moved to Salem, Massachusetts, where he taught for several years. He moved to Boston as organist and musical director at the Bulfinch Street Church. He was organist and musical director in various churches in Massachusetts, and directed of about 300 musical festivals and conventions. He became associated with the Oliver Ditson publishers in Boston. He compiled several collections of church music, and authored a number of training manuals and compilations for choirs. He died in Hyde Park, Massachusetts.

All are mixed chorus unless noted; some contain divisi.