History of Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
This hymn was written by the Anglican Bishop Reginald Heber. This is one of the most beloved of the roughly hundred hymns that he penned in the early 1800s, when the Anglican authorities frowned on singing hymns in church, except for the metrical chanting of Psalms. By closely reflecting the biblical verses, he sought to avoid the excessive emotionalism that Anglican authorities hoped to discourage. The Brightest and Best is another of his acclaimed hymns.
Heber pursued his literary interests, including composing hymns, while serving as a parish priest for many years. Later in life, he was appointed as bishop of Calcutta, India, seeking to improve the spiritual life and living conditions of his flock. He traveled the countryside, but due to his workload, the hostile climate, and his poor health, he passed away three years after his appointment in India. […]
