Thomas Clark

1775-1859

Born: Canterbury, Kent, England (baptized February 5, 1775).

Died: May 30, 1859, Canterbury, Kent, England.

A cobbler and choir trainer, Clark led the singing of the Psalms at the Wesleyan Chapel, Canterbury, and later at the Unitarian Church in Canterbury. It has been claimed he never actually joined the Unitarians, though he sympathized with them, and he resigned from the Methodists. Clark wrote a number of anthems, including “Awake Up, My Glory,” “Daughter of Zion” and “Since I Have Placed My Trust.” His other works include:

• First Sett of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, 1805
• Second Sett of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, circa 1810 (“adapted to the use of country choirs”)
• The Sacred Gleaner, 1830
• The Union Tune-Book, 1837 (co-editor)
• Union Harmonist, 1841
• Harmonized the second edition of the Union Tune Book for the Sunday School Union, 1842

Music:

1. Acton
2. Crediton
3. Greenland
4. Warsaw