 The Life of a Hymn Writer
The Episcopal Church worldwide is perhaps best known by the vast inclusion of some of the greatest hymnody in the world. It appears that the vast majority of our most moving and beloved hymn tunes were written in the 1800's. There are numerous more contemporary hymn writers included as well. Anglicans cherish the sheer breadth and enormity of textual content in our hymns. I have often said that if you are not getting anything from the liturgy and hymns - you are simply not paying attention.
Baker, Sir Henry Williams, an eminent English clergyman, son of Sir Henry L. Baker, born in London May 27, 1821; educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1844. He took holy orders in 1864, and became vicar of Monkland, Herefordshire, in 1851, which benefice he held until his death. He succeeded to the baronetcy in 1851. He is best known as editor 389 in chief of Hymns Ancient and Modern, to which he contributed several of his hymns. Dr. Julian says: "Of his hymns four only are in the highest strain of jubilation, another four are bright and cheerful, and the remainder are very tender but exceedingly plaintive, sometimes even to sadness." The language of his hymns is smooth and simple, the thought is correct and sometimes very beautifully expressed. He died February 12, 1877. His last audible words were a quotation of the third stanza of his own exquisite rendering of the twenty-third Psalm: Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed But yet in love He sought me, And on His shoulder gently laid, And home rejoicing brought me. Other well known hymns by Sir Henry Williams Baker: O God of love, O King of Peace O Perfect Life of Love The King of love my Shepherd is | 
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