Exhibit 32.1


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 18
U.S.C. SECTION 1350


            In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
            December 31, 2003 of P. H. Glatfelter Company (the "Company") as
            filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof
            (the "Report"), I, George H. Glatfelter II, Chairman and Chief
            Executive Officer of the Company, certify to the best of my
            knowledge, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
            2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that:

1)    The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d)
      of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2)    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
      respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
      Company.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Glatfelter and will be retained by Glatfelter and furnished to the
Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

            Date: March 10, 2004        By: /s/ George H. Glatfelter II
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            George H. Glatfelter II
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer