All Hail The Power
Author: Edward Perronet, 1726-1792
Altered by John Rippon, 1751-1836
This hymn is often called the “National Anthem of Christendom.” The hymn first appeared in the November, 1779, issue of the Gospel Magazine, edited by Augustus Toplady, author of “Rock of Ages” (No. 78). This text has been translated into almost every language where Christianity [...]
Abide With Me
Author: Henry F. Lyte, 1793-1847
Composer: William H. Monk, 1823-1889
It has been said that only the person who can face the prospect of death realistically is able to live this life with purpose and confidence. Such was the conviction of a rather obscure English pastor, Henry F. Lyte, when he wrote the text for [...]
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483 in Eisleben, Saxony, Germany. He was educated at the University of Erfurt, later becoming an Augustinian monk, teaching philosophy and theology at the University of Wittenberg. On October 31, 1517, sometimes called the “4th of July of Protestantism,” Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five theses to the door [...]
There Is a Fountain
Author: William Cowper, 1731-1800
Music: American Melody
William Cowper (pronounced “Kooper”) is a name highly respected in English classic literary circles. He is the most honored poet between Pope and Shelley and is viewed by some as one of the finest of all English writers. Several of his best known secular works include a [...]
The Star-Spangled Banner
Author: Francis Scott Key, 1779-1843
Composer Attributed to John Stafford Smith, 1750-1836
Francis Scoot Key, author of our national anthem, was born on August 1, 1779, in Frederick, Maryland. He was the son of a distinguished Revolutionary War officer. He was trained in law and later served as the District Attorney at Georgetown, District of [...]
Softly and Tenderly
Author: Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909
Composer: Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909
Will L. Thompson was born at East Liverpool, Ohio, on November 7, 1847. His father, Josiah Thompson, was a member of the Ohio State Legislature for two terms. Young Thompson attended the Boston Music School from 1870-73. Later he did additional musical study in Germany. [...]
Silent Night
Author: Joseph Mohr, 1792-1848
Composer: Franz Gruber, 1787-1863
Joseph Mohr was born in the lovely city of Salzburg, Austria, in 1792. As a boy he was an active chorister in the Cathedral of Salzburg. In 1815 Mohr was ordained to the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. Following his ordination, he served various parishes in the [...]
Jesus Loves Me
Author: Anna B. Warner, 1820-1915
Composer: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868
Without doubt the hymn that has influenced children for Christ more than any other is this simply stated one, written in 1860 by Anna Bartlett Warner. Miss Warner wrote this text in collaboration with her sister Susan as a part of one of the best-selling [...]
I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
Author: Francis H. Rowley, 1854-1952
Composer: Peter P. Bilhorn, 1865-1936
Francis H. Rowley was born in Hilton, New York, on July 25, 1854. Later he became a Baptist minister and served churches in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Illinois. He has given the following account for the writing of this hymn:
I was minister of [...]
Holy, Holy, Holy
Author: Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
Composer: John B. Dykes, 1823-1876
Reginald Heber was born in the area of Cheshire, England, on April 21, 1783, of scholarly and well-to-do parents. At the age of seventeen he entered Oxford University, where his scholarship and literary abilities received much attention. Following his ordination to the ministry of the Anglican [...]
