November 4

On November 4, 2 anniversaries fall in the history of the hymns in this library: Augustus Toplady was born in 1740; James Montgomery was born in 1771.

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.

Augustus Toplady, who was born on this day in 1740, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Rock of Ages”, “Hail, Thou once-despisèd Jesus!” and “Faith in Christ the Savior”.

James Montgomery, who was born on this day in 1771, is remembered in this library for the hymns “Hail to the Lord's Anointed”, “Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire” and “Angels From the Realms of Glory”.

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.