March 27

On March 27, 5 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: George Keith died in 1716; Michael Bruce was born in 1746; George J. Elvey was born in 1816; George Matheson was born in 1842; Carrie Ellis Breck died in 1934.

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.

George Keith, who died on this day in 1716, is remembered in this library for the hymn “How Firm a Foundation”.

Michael Bruce, who was born on this day in 1746, is remembered in this library for the hymns “O happy is the man who hears”, “To Us a Child of Hope is Born” and “Where high the heavenly temple stands”.

George J. Elvey, who was born on this day in 1816, is remembered in this library for the tunes DIADEMATA and ST. GEORGE'S WINDSOR.

George Matheson, who was born on this day in 1842, is remembered in this library for the hymns “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go” and “Make Me a Captive, Lord”.

Carrie Ellis Breck, who died on this day in 1934, is remembered in this library for the hymns “When Love Shines In” and “Nailed to the Cross”.

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.