November 25

On November 25, 8 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: Gerhardt Tersteegen was born in 1697; Isaac Watts died in 1748; Franz Xaver Gruber was born in 1787; William Hiley Bathurst died in 1877; Christopher C. Cox died in 1882; Robert Lowry died in 1899; M. A. Kidder died in 1905; E. A. Hoffman died in 1929.

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.

Gerhardt Tersteegen, who was born on this day in 1697, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Lo! God is here let us adore”.

Isaac Watts, who died on this day in 1748, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed”, “Holy Fortitude” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”.

Franz Xaver Gruber, who was born on this day in 1787, is remembered in this library for the tune STILLE NACHT.

William Hiley Bathurst, who died on this day in 1877, is remembered in this library for the hymn “For Victorious Faith”.

Christopher C. Cox, who died on this day in 1882, is remembered in this library for the hymn “Evening Shades”.

Robert Lowry, who died on this day in 1899, is remembered in this library for the hymns “I Need Thee Every Hour”, “Shall We Gather at the River?” and “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus”.

M. A. Kidder, who died on this day in 1905, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Is My Name Written There?” and “Open the Door for the Children”.

E. A. Hoffman, who died on this day in 1929, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Down at the Cross”, “Leaning On the Everlasting Arms” and “Are You Washed in the Blood?”.

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.