February 19

On February 19, 4 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: Leonard Bacon was born in 1802; Bernard Barton died in 1849; Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane died in 1869; Samuel Johnson died in 1882.

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.

Leonard Bacon, who was born on this day in 1802, is remembered in this library for the hymns “O God, Beneath Thy Guiding Hand” and “Wake the Song of Jubilee”.

Bernard Barton, who died on this day in 1849, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Walk in the Light” and “Lamp of Our Feet, Whereby We Trace”.

Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane, who died on this day in 1869, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” and “There Were Ninety and Nine”.

Samuel Johnson, who died on this day in 1882, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Onward, Christian! though the region”.

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.