John Henry Hopkins, Jr.

John Henry Hopkins Jr. might not possess a name the common male or female would recognize, but he was the writer of a function virtually everyone understands, the Xmas carol We Three Kings of Orient Are. While he composed various other carols, hymns and music, it really is this Christmastime preferred that will permanently afford him a location in music background, while at exactly the same time brand him a one-hit composer. But Hopkins may possibly not need objected compared to that last difference, since he was a churchman and music instructor mainly, using his function in structure for reasons of worship. Certainly, in the last mentioned element of his profession the major section of his concentrate was as priest and pastor. Hopkins was also a article writer and poet, writer of a biography of his dad (a prominent Episcopal Bishop) and a reserve of poetry, Poems with the Wayside (1883). He also composed many pamphlets and edited many content and books. His most significant musical publication was his collection, Carols, Hymns and Tracks (1863-1887). John Henry Hopkins Jr. was created in Pittsburgh, PA, on Oct 28, 1820. His dad was an important and scholarly Bishop who divulged abilities being a musician, painter, poet, and writer of many books on religious beliefs and other topics. Little John Henry was also intellectually gifted but slower in taking on the towel. He graduated through the College or university of Vermont in 1839, attained a master’s level there in 1845, and began are a reporter in NEW YORK with a watch to eventually get yourself a rules level. Hopkins enrolled at General Theological Seminary in NEW YORK and graduated in 1850. That same season he was ordained a deacon. In 1853 he founded the publication Cathedral Journal and offered as its editor until 1868. It had been during this time period that he had written “We Three Kings” (1857). Hopkins was mixed up in 1865 establishment from the Episcopal diocese in Pittsburgh. It had been not really until 1872 that he was ordained a priest. That same season he was appointed rector of Trinity Cathedral in Plattsburgh, NY. In 1876 he became rector of Christ Cathedral in Williamsport, PA. Hopkins continued to be active being a composer in his old age. Among various other hymns and carols of take note by him are “GOD, THE FATHER Is usually My Light and Salvation” and “Collect Around the Xmas Tree.” Hopkins passed away in Hudson, NY, on August 14, 1891.