May 1

On May 1, 5 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: Joseph Addison was born in 1672; John Dryden died in 1700; P. H. Brown was born in 1783; A. J. Showalter was born in 1858; Julia C. Cory died in 1963.

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.

Joseph Addison, who was born on this day in 1672, 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”.

John Dryden, who died on this day in 1700, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Creator Spirit, by whose aid”.

P. H. Brown, who was born on this day in 1783, is remembered in this library for the hymn “For a Revival”.

A. J. Showalter, who was born on this day in 1858, is remembered in this library for the tune SHOWALTER.

Julia C. Cory, who died on this day in 1963, is remembered in this library for the hymn “We Praise Thee, O God”.

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.