July 9

On July 9, 4 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: Angelus Silesius died in 1677; P. P. Bliss was born in 1838; Robert Grant died in 1838; James McGranahan died in 1907.

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.

Angelus Silesius, who died on this day in 1677, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Fervent in Spirit”.

P. P. Bliss, who was born on this day in 1838, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Almost Persuaded”, “Wonderful Words of Life” and “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning”.

Robert Grant, who died on this day in 1838, is remembered in this library for the hymns “O Worship the King all glorious above”, “Savior, When in Dust to Thee” and “When Gathering Clouds”.

James McGranahan, who died on this day in 1907, is remembered in this library for the tunes CHRIST RETURNETH and I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED.

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.