December 16

On December 16, 5 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: George Whitefield was born in 1714; Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770; Conrad Kocher was born in 1786; John Ellerton was born in 1826; Siegfried A. Mahlmann died in 1826.

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.

George Whitefield, who was born on this day in 1714, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”.

Ludwig van Beethoven, who was born on this day in 1770, is remembered in this library for the tune ODE TO JOY.

Conrad Kocher, who was born on this day in 1786, is remembered in this library for the tune DIX.

John Ellerton, who was born on this day in 1826, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Parting Hymn”, “The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended” and “This Is the Day of Light”.

Siegfried A. Mahlmann, who died on this day in 1826, is remembered in this library for the hymn “God Bless Our Native Land”.

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.