August 31

On August 31, 5 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: John Bunyan died in 1688; Robert Morris was born in 1818; Lewis Hartsough was born in 1828; Jessie Brown Pounds was born in 1861; Thomas J. Potter died in 1873.

Each date below is given only where two independent sources — Hymnary.org and Wikidata — agree on the year, and the day itself comes from Wikidata. Dates before the 1750s are given as they were recorded at the time, in the Old Style calendar where that was in use.

John Bunyan, who died on this day in 1688, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Who would true valor see”.

Robert Morris, who was born on this day in 1818, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Memories of Galilee”.

Lewis Hartsough, who was born on this day in 1828, is remembered in this library for the hymn “I Hear Thy Welcome Voice”.

Jessie Brown Pounds, who was born on this day in 1861, is remembered in this library for the hymns “The Way of the Cross Leads Home” and “Anywhere With Jesus”.

Thomas J. Potter, who died on this day in 1873, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Brightly Gleams Our Banner”.

Follow a name to read about the writer or composer and to sing their hymns, with the words, chords where we have them, and free accompaniment.