Thomas Hastings

1784-1872

Hymns Supplied Through the Gracious Generosity
of the Cyber Hymnal Website

Information about Cyber Hymnal Website

---

Born: October 15, 1784, Washington, Connecticut. Died: May 15, 1872, New York City. Buried: Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York. Phoebe Palmer Knapp lies nearby.

Son of a doctor, Thomas Hastings grew up as a farm boy, walking six miles to school in the winter. He began his career as a music teacher. In 1816, he compiled the music book Musica Sacra, followed by The Musical Taste in 1822. In 1823, he became editor of the Recorder in Utica, New York. From 1832 until his death, Hastings trained choirs and developed religious music. He penned almost 1,000 hymn tunes and 600 hymn texts. His son, who became president of Union Theological Seminary, said of him:

He was a devout and earnest Christian, a hard student, and resolute worker, not laying aside his pen until three days before his death.

Hymns:

1. Child of Sin and Sorrow
2. Delay Not, O Sinner, Draw Near
3. Gently, Lord, O Gently Lead Us
4. Hail to the Brightness of Zion’s Glad Morning!
5. He That Goeth Forth with Weeping
6. How Calm and Beautiful the Morn
7. Jesus, Merciful and Mild
8. Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned
9. Now Be the Gospel Banner
10. O Tell Me, Thou Life and Delight of My Soul
11. Today the Savior Calls

Music:

1. Ortonville
2. Retreat
3. Toplady
4. Zion