Robert Lorenzo Cook was born November 30, 1870, in the state of Ohio. He was united in marriage to Charlotte Schell on November 2, 1897, in Darke County, Ohio. He went by the name “Lorenzo” and his wife Charlotte, by “Lottie.” Lorenzo was a minister of the Church of God (Evening Light Reformation) and he and his wife were actively involved in the work of the Lord in Ohio and elsewhere. The following poem, written by Bro. Lorenzo Cook and published in the November 9, 1899, issue of The Gospel Trumpet expresses the burden of his heart:
“Will You Go?”
“Will you, brother, take the message
Of the great salvation plan?
Tell all nations that redemption
Now is offered unto man?
How that Jesus died to rescue
Sinners from a yawning hell,
And his grace to all is offered —
Will you go, this message tell?
“Are you fully consecrated
To go to some distant land,
If the Lord gives you this calling —
Will you heed to His command?
Are you of the Lord inquiring,
‘Here am I, wilt thou send me?
Where you lead I’ll gladly follow,
Even far across the sea’?
“There are millions yet in darkness,
Who in heathendom abide —
Never heard the gospel message,
How that Christ for them has died,
But to idol gods are bowing
Made of wood, or stone, or gold;
Some would gladly seek salvation,
If this message they were told.
“Will you sacrifice home comforts,
And from friends and loved ones go?
You should surely be unselfish,
Since the Lord has loved you so,
And gave you this great salvation,
Blest you with His holy Word;
You should seek to rescue others
Who have not the gospel heard.”
Lorenzo Cook also wrote the words of song #386 in the Evening Light Songs hymnal, “Soon the Summer Will Be Ended,” which were set to music by B. E. Warren. Lorenzo departed this life July 20, 1955, at the age of 84 in Marianna, Florida. Burial was in Fountain Cemetery in Fostoria, Ohio. Lottie died May 8, 1965 at age 92 and is buried beside her husband.