(RNS) The Rev. Carl P. Daw Jr., an Episcopal priest and renowned hymn expert, has retired as executive director of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada.

Daw served for 13 years in the post, the Episcopal Church announced.

“The work of Carl Daw as writer of hymns has enormously enriched the worship life of the English-speaking Christian world. His poetry is rich, fresh and always singable,” said the Rev. Clayton L. Morris, staff officer for worship and spirituality for the Episcopal Church. “Carl’s work is a priceless gift to the church.”

Daw served on the committee that created the 1982 Episcopal Hymnal and contributed original hymns as well as several translations to the volume. His work has been published in other denominational and ecumenical hymnals in North America and translated into other languages in hymnals used in Europe and Australia.

The Louisville, Ky., native is the son of a Baptist pastor. He served congregations in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Virginia as an Episcopal priest.