Fannie Morris Spencer facts for kids

Fannie Morris Spencer was an amazing American musician. She was born in Newburgh, New York, on August 15, 1865. Fannie became a talented composer and organist. She wrote 32 hymns, which are special songs for churches. She also helped start a very important group for organists. This group was called the American Guild of Organists. Fannie passed away on April 9, 1943.

Who Was Fannie Morris Spencer?

Fannie Morris Spencer was a well-known American composer and organist. An organist is someone who plays the organ, a large musical instrument often found in churches. She was born in Newburgh, New York. Her parents were Cynthia McCollum and Timothy W. Spencer.

Her Early Life and Music Studies

Fannie loved music from a young age. She went to New York City to study music. Her teachers were famous musicians like Alexander Lambert and Samuel P. Warren. After her studies, Fannie began to teach music herself. She also worked as a church organist.

A Talented Teacher and Organist

Fannie taught at several schools for young people. She taught at the Dr. Holbrook’s Military School and Miss Fuller’s School for Girls in Ossining. She also taught at Miss Spence’s School for Girls in New York City. Today, this school is known as the Spence School.

Besides teaching, Fannie was a church organist. She played the organ at many churches in New York City. These included Fourth Presbyterian Church, Lexington Avenue Baptist Church, and Pilgrim Congregational Church.

Leading the Way for Musicians

Fannie was a leader in the music world. She led the music committee for the Professional Women’s League. She also served as the vice president of the New York State Music Teachers Association. Here, she worked with another important musician named Florence Sutro.

Fannie also led the music committee for a big event in 1895. This was the Cotton States and International Exposition in Atlanta.

Helping to Start a Big Group

In 1896, Fannie Spencer made history. She was one of only 145 organists who helped create the American Guild of Organists. What makes this even more special is that only four of these founders were women! This group is still very important for organists today.

Sharing Music Across America

Fannie gave many organ concerts in churches all over America. She even performed two concerts at the 1901 Pan American Exposition. This was a huge fair that showed off new ideas and cultures.

Fannie's Musical Compositions

Fannie Spencer's music was published by several well-known companies. These included Oliver Ditson, G. Schirmer Inc., and Novello & Co. (now part of the Wise Music Group). Her compositions included:

Organ Music

• 32 Hymn Tunes (a collection of songs for church)
• Magnificat in C
• Magnificat in G

Vocal Music

• “As Pants the Hart”
• “Awake My Love”
• “Bethlehem”
• “Homeward”
• “Lord’s Prayer”
• “O Lord, Rebuke Me Not”
• “Unless”
• “Well-a-Day”
• “When I Know”