June 17

On June 17, 6 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: John Wesley was born in 1703; Joseph Addison died in 1719; Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon died in 1791; Samuel Medley died in 1799; J. Wilbur Chapman was born in 1859; Jane C. Simpson died in 1886.

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.

John Wesley, who was born on this day in 1703, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Give to the Winds Thy Fears”, “The Lord our Righteousness” and “O Thou, to Whose All-Searching Sight”.

Joseph Addison, who died on this day in 1719, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Thanksgiving for God's Particular Providence”, “Of the Glory of God in the Starry Heavens” and “The Good Shepherd”.

Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon, who died on this day in 1791, is remembered in this library for the hymn “When, Thou My Righteous Judge”.

Samuel Medley, who died on this day in 1799, is remembered in this library for the hymns “The Lovingkindness of the Lord”, “O could I speak the matchless worth” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”.

J. Wilbur Chapman, who was born on this day in 1859, is remembered in this library for the hymn “One Day!”.

Jane C. Simpson, who died on this day in 1886, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Pray Without Ceasing” and “Far at sea”.

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.