Directions for

Hymnal Journaling

2. Read History

3. Color/Doodle Hymn

4. Share photo in comments OR

5. Share photo in Facebook Group

The Author of the Hymn

THE AUTHOR ~ William Chatterton Dix

Born June 14,1837 in Bristol, England
Died September 9, 1898 in Cheddar, England. 

William was an English writer of hymns and carols. His father, John Dix, was an author, poet, and surgeon. He gave William his middle name “Chatterton” in honour of Thomas Chatterton, a poet Mr. Dix had written a biography of. In his early years, William worked for his grandfather, who operated a soap and candle-making business in Bristol. Later, he became a manager of a maritime insurance company in Glasgow. where he spent most of his life. 

Few modern writers have shown such a gift as his for the difficult art of hymn-writing. His original hymns are found in most modern hymn-books. 

At the age of 29 he was struck with a near fatal illness and consequently suffered months confined to his bed. During this time he became severely depressed. Yet it is from this period that many of his hymns date. He died at Cheddar, Somerset, England, and was buried at his parish church. 

History of Hymn

THE HISTORY ~ “What Child Is This?”