SDAH 266: Spirit of God

Charles Rogers’ book Lyra Britannica, 1867, contained this and three more hymns by George Croly. Born August 17, 1780, in Dublin Ireland, he earned the M.A. degree from University of Dublin in 1804 and the Doctor of Laws in 1831. He entered the ministry, serving in Ireland until 1810, when he moved to London, where for 25 years he devoted his energies to writing poetry, drama, and novels. In 1835 he returned to the ministry in a united parish of two churches near Mansion House, and gained fame as a powerful, conservative preacher. In 1854 he published Psalms and Hymns for Public Worship, which had 10 psalm versions, 12 hymns, and 6 poems bearing his initial. He died while walking down the street in Holborn, London, November 24,1860.

     MORECAMBE is named after a favorite spot on Morecambee Bay, Lancashire, England, noted for the music festival held there. The composer was organist near there at the time of writing the tune. He wrote it especially for the text “Abide With Me,” and it was first printed in the 1887 Congregational Church Hymnal, London. Frederick Cook Atkinson was born August 21, 1841, at Norwich, England. As a boy, he was a choir singer at Zechariah Buck. After graduating from Cambridge in 1867, he served as organist-choirmaster at St. Luke’s Church, Manningham, Bradford; Norwich Cathedral; at St. Mary’s Church, Lewisham. He wrote songs, anthems, worship service music, hymn tunes, and piano pieces. He died at East Dereham, Norfolk, November 30, 1896. MORECAMBE is also used for SDAH 668, “O Thou Who Hearest.”