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Rowland Hill
1744 - 1833 Author of "Exalted High at God's Right Hand" in The Cyber Hymnal Hill, Rowland, M.A., son of Sir Rowland Hill, Bart., was born at Hawkstone, near Shrewsbury, Aug. 23,1744, and educated at Shrewsbury Grammar School, Eton, and St. John's College, Cambridge (B.A. 1769). Taking Holy Orders, he was for a time curate of Kingston, near Taunton. Leaving his curacy, but without renouncing his Orders or his connection with the Church of England, he itinerated for some twelve years, preaching mostly in Wilts, Gloucestershire, Somersetshire, and London. At Wotton-under-Edge he built a Chapel, where he often preached, and also opened the well-known Surrey Chapel, London, in 1783. At the latter place he ministered for nearly fifty years. He took great interest in Evangelical and Mission work, was one of the founders of the London Missionary Society, and a member of the first committee of the Religious Tract Society. He died April 11, 1833, He was the author of several prose works; he also compiled the following hymnbooks:—
(1) A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for the Use of the Poor, 1774. (2) A Collection of Psalms and Hymns, chiefly intended for Public Worship, 1783. This was enlarged in 1787, and a Supplement was added in 1796. Other revisions followed, the last being in 1830. (3) Divine Hymns attempted in easy language for the Use of Children, 1790 (2nd ed. 1794; later editions 1808 & 1819). The hymns in this work, he tells us, are, with the exception of Nos. 24 and 37, his own, revised and corrected by some one he is not permitted to name (Preface iv.-viii.). (4) A Collection of Hymns for Children, 1808. (5) Hymns for Schools, 1832.
In these collections no authors' names are given, and his own contributions, except in the case of the children's Hymns, 1790, are difficult to determine. By common consent the following, including some from the 1790 Hymns, are attributed to him:—
1. Come, Holy Ghost, the Comforter. Whitsuntide. No. 30 of his Divine Hymns for Children, 1790, in 5 st. of 4 1. and headed "A Child's Prayer to God the Holy Spirit." It was repeated in the later editions of the Divine Hymns, and is found in modern hymn books.
2. Dear Friend of friendless sinners, hear. A Prayer for Rest in God. In his Psalms & Hymns &c, 1783, No. 89, in 4 st. of 6 1., and headed "A Prayer for the promised Rest." In modern hymnbooks its use is limited.
3. Happy the children who betimes. Godly Education. No. 8 in his Divine Hymns, 1790, in 5 st. of 4 1., and headed " The Blessings of a godly Education." It was repeated in later editions, and, sometimes with the omission of st. v. in modern collections for children.
4. Lord, we raise our feeble voices. Praise to Jesus
. Major, in his Book of Praise for Home & School, dates this hymn 1800. It is found in several collections for children.
5. My parents gave me, Lord. A Child's Dedication to God. No. 13 in his Divine Hymns, 1790, in 6 stanzas of 6 lines, and headed "A Child's Hymn on easy Dedication to God in Holy Baptism." It is in a few modern collections.
6. We sing His love Who once was slain. The Resurrection. Appeared in the 1796 Supplement to his Psalms & Hymns It is in American common use.
7. When Jesus first at heaven's Command. The Kingdom, of Christ exalted. Composed for the London Missionary Society, and printed in the Evangelical Magazine, 1797, vol. v. p. 263. It is appended to the author's sermon to the volunteers preached at Surrey Chapel, 1803, and was also included in the 1810 ed. of his Psalms & Hymns, No. 302, in 6 stanzas of 4 lines with the chorus, "Hail Immanuel," &c.
8. With heavenly power, 0 Lord defend. Departure of Ministers. Published in his Psalms & Hymns, 1783, No. 234, in 4 stanzas of 4 l,ines and headed "For Ministers at their Departure." In modern hymn books it is generally given in 2 stanzas.
9. Ye that in these [His] courts are found. Public Worship. This is usually attributed to R. Hill. It appeared, however, in Lady Huntingdon's Hymn Book, 1765, p. 404 (ed. 1773, p. 256), and can scarcely be his. In his Psalms & Hymns 1783. It is usually given as "Ye that in His courts," in modern collections.
The person referred to as having revised the Divine Hymns, 1790, was the poet Cowper. The best known of R. Hill's hymns, "Cast thy burden on the Lord," and "Gently, my Saviour, let me down," are annotated under their respective first lines. His Life, by the Rev. E. Sidney, M.A., was published in 1834.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
Rowland Hill
Charles Zeuner
1795 - 1857 Person Name: Heinrich Christoph Zeuner Composer of "MISSIONARY CHANT" in The Cyber Hymnal Also:
Zeuner, Heinrich Christoph, 1795-1857
Zeuner, Heinrich Christopher, 1795-1857
Charles Zeuner
J. W. Elliott
1833 - 1915 Person Name: James William Elliott (1833-) Composer of "CHURCH TRIUMPHANT" in The Oxford Hymn Book J.W. Elliott was a popular composer of the Victorian period, and is best known for his nursery rhyme music and for his work on hymnals in the 1870s. He was born James William Elliott, in Warwick, England, on February 13, 1833. As a child, he sang as a chorister in the Leamington Parish Church. In those days, choristers were given lessons in all facets of church music, including organ lessons, counterpoint studies, and more in exchange for providing an extraordinary level of service to their parish church (services throughout the week, all holidays, extra services, etc.). The result is that most choristers who completed their studies received an excellent music education, and James was no exception. After starting his career as an organist and choirmaster for a countryside church, his talent became obvious. He moved to London, where he assisted Sir Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert and Sullivan fame) in editing Church Hymns. In addition, James worked for a music publisher.
His compositions include two operettas, numerous anthems, service music, works for instruments including the very popular harmonium, and most particularly for Nursery Rhymes and Nursery Songs, his children’s music score that sets many of the Nursery Rhymes to delightful music. Several of his hymn tunes are still in use today in many hymnals, most notably his hymn tune “Day of Rest.” He was heavily involved in the preparation of the musical edition of Church Hymns in 1874, the Choral Service Book of 1892, and transcriptions of hymn tunes using harmonies different than the traditional ones found in hymnals. He died in St. Marylebone, London, on February 5, 1915.
--www.nursery-songs.com/
J. W. Elliott
L. O. Emerson
1820 - 1915 Composer of "BENEDICT" in Book of Worship Luther Orlando Emerson was born at Parsonsfield, Maine, August 3, 1820. He descended from distinguished English ancestry. His parents were quite musical, and while the family circle were together, they had a choir and orchestra of their own. The father played the violoncello, the mother was an excellent singer, the flute and violin added their sweet tones, till the quiet homestead rang with melody.
Mr. Emerson's education was obtained at the district school, Parsonsfield Seminary and Effingham Academy. He was full of energy, quick and versatile, an apt scholar, and with a view to entering the profession of medicine he entered Dracut Academy, Mass. But his great love for music swerved him from that course, and now, having far better opportunities for cultivating and enjoying this taste and ability, he soon determined upon music as the profession of his choice. He accordingly commenced a course of musical instruction under the late I. B. Woodbury, then a popular teacher of music. After several years of study on the voice, piano, organ and in harmony, Mr. Emerson went to Salem, Mass., began teaching, and took charge of his first choir at a salary of one hundred dollars per year. Here he commenced the composition of music for his own choir, whiich was so popular with its members and the congregation, that Mr. Emerson was encouraged to seek a larger hearing by publishing a collection of church music. Among the tunes was that of Sessions, named after his pastor, which was destined to have a perennial popularity, and is often used in worship in the place of Old Hundred, for the Doxology. At the great Peace Jubilee it was received with applause when sung by a chorus of ten thousand voices, accompanied by an orchestra of two hundred instruments and a great pipe organ. The effect was sublime beyond expression.
In 1847 occurred the marriage of Mr. Emerson to Miss Mary Gore, daughter of a prominent Boston merchant. She was a lady of much musical taste and ability.
In 1853 he decided to make an effort to put his music before the public, and accordingly went to Boston in search of a publisher. Like most young and unknown authors, he met with but little encouragement, but finally found a publisher in the person of Mr. B. B. Muzzy. Thus was the Romberg Collection published. The book was not pushed — hence it found no market.
After a residence of eight years in Salem, Mr. Emerson removed to Boston, accepting the position of organist and musical director at the Bulfinch Street Church, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Wm. R. Alger, which he filled for four years. He eagerly improved the rare means of culture which were once more enjoyed, meanwhile teaching and composing music.
In 1857 he formed the connection with Oliver Ditson Company, of Boston, of author and publisher, which has continued to the present time with but one interruption (a single volume brought out by another firm), the Golden Wreath, which at once became popular, and sold forty thousand during the first year, this being the initial volume in the long series since brought out by these publishers. In 1858 came the Golden Harp, which was also a success. These successes gave him not only encouragement, but reputation.
Mr. Emerson now entered upon a career of usefulness and popularity for which he had been preparing during the years of self-denying struggle and discipline. He was called to take charge of the music in the Second Congregational Church, Greenfield, Mass., and also of the musical department of Power's Institute, at Bernardston. Amid nature's most beautiful surroundings, he had a quiet retreat for the pursuit of his true vocation, the composition of church music.
The first fruit of his genius here was the Sabbath Harmony, in 1860. This book was also a success. In 1863 followed the Harp of Judah, which had the remarkable sale of nearly fifty thousand copies in the first three months. This book probably gave Mr. Emerson his preeminence as a composer of church music, containing as it did his anthem, Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, and many of his finest compositions.
Having declined the solicitations of Dr. Lowell Mason to become his associate in music, Mr. Emerson started forth on his own plans, and attained the highest rank among those who loved the pure and beautiful in song. Mr. W. S. B. Mathews, a musical critic, pronounces him the best melodist of all the psalmodic writers.
In 1866 the equally successful Jubilate appeared, followed by the Choral Tribute, the Standard and the Leader. In the last two Dr. I. R. Pahner was associated with him. Later on came the Salutation, Voice of Worship, Herald of Praise, etc. The diligence with which Mr. Emerson plied his pen can be estimated when one recalls the fact that he has made seventy-two collections of music, embracing music for churches, singing schools, public schools, choral societies and conventions, instruction books for voice, organ, etc. He has also composed and published scores of songs, quartets and instrumental pieces.
The great amount of work this represents can only be appreciated by those who have undertaken similar labors. Some years ago the degree of Doctor of Music was conferred upon Professor Emerson by the Faculty of Findlay College, Findlay, Ohio.
For many years past. Dr. Emerson has devoted his energies to the grand purpose of elevating the general character of music in our churches, and thus largely advancing the interests of true worship. He places great stress upon the mission of church music. He regards sacred music as the best expression of devotional feeling that exists. He looks upon sacred song as prayer, and believes that it inspires and intensifies prayer. With this view he has taken an active and prominent part in musical festivals and conventions, of which he has conducted over three hundred throughout the United States and Canada. As a conductor, he stands in the front rank. As a teacher. Dr. Emerson has an exceedingly happy faculty of imparting in a concise manner to his classes. His very pleasing address enables him to command the undivided attention of his pupils.
As a singer, he has always held high rank, and has sung much in public. His voice is a baritone of great compass, and quite powerful. As a lecturer upon music, Dr. Emerson has attracted much attention. His most popular lecture is entitled The World of Music, in which he traces its origin and progress, and gives some excellent traits of the lives of the great composers. In this lecture he also shows the design of music, and how it has been prized in every age of the world, among all nations — its power in the Church and State, and the need of its influence in the family — in joy and sorrow — for this life and the life to come.
-Biography of Gospel Song and Hymn Writers
L. O. Emerson
John Duncan
Person Name: Duncan Author of "Exalted high at God's right hand" in A New Selection of Nearly Eight Hundred Evangelical Hymns, from More than 200 Authors in England, Scotland, Ireland, & America, including a great number of originals, alphabetically arranged
John Duncan
