May 27

On May 27, 7 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: Paul Gerhardt died in 1676; Anton Wilhelm Böhm died in 1722; George Washington Doane was born in 1799; Charles William Everest was born in 1814; Julia Ward Howe was born in 1819; H. W. Baker was born in 1821; Luther B. Bridgers died in 1948.

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.

Paul Gerhardt, who died on this day in 1676, is remembered in this library for the hymns “O sacred head now wounded”, “Give to the Winds Thy Fears” and “Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me”.

Anton Wilhelm Böhm, who died on this day in 1722, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Love Which Passeth Knowledge”.

George Washington Doane, who was born on this day in 1799, is remembered in this library for the hymns “The Night Cometh”, “Thou art the Way, to Thee alone” and “Fling Out the Banner! Let It Float”.

Charles William Everest, who was born on this day in 1814, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Take Up Thy Cross, the Savior Said”.

Julia Ward Howe, who was born on this day in 1819, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Battle Hymn of the Republic”.

H. W. Baker, who was born on this day in 1821, is remembered in this library for the hymns “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”, “O God of love, O King of peace” and “Of the Father's Love Begotten”.

Luther B. Bridgers, who died on this day in 1948, is remembered in this library for the hymn “He Keeps Me Singing”.

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.