December 21

On December 21, 5 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: Benjamin Schmolck was born in 1672; Johann C. Schwedler was born in 1672; John Newton died in 1807; E. R. Latta died in 1915; James M. Black died in 1938.

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.

Benjamin Schmolck, who was born on this day in 1672, is remembered in this library for the hymns “My Jesus, as Thou wilt!”, “Come Thou with Us” and “Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty”.

Johann C. Schwedler, who was born on this day in 1672, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know”.

John Newton, who died on this day in 1807, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Amazing Grace”, “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” and “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”.

E. R. Latta, who died on this day in 1915, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Blessed Be the Fountain”.

James M. Black, who died on this day in 1938, is remembered in this library for the tune WHEN THE ROLL IS CALLED UP YONDER.

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.