July 17

On July 17, 2 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: Isaac Watts was born in 1674; Judson W. Van DeVenter died in 1939.

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.

Isaac Watts, who was born on this day in 1674, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed”, “Holy Fortitude” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”.

Judson W. Van DeVenter, who died on this day in 1939, is remembered in this library for the hymn “I Surrender All”.

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.