Henry Williams Baker facts for kids
Sir Henry Williams Baker (born May 27, 1821 – died February 12, 1877) was an English priest and a talented writer of hymns. He was also known as the 3rd Baronet, a special title passed down in his family.
His Life Story
Henry Williams Baker was born in London on May 27, 1821. His father was Sir Henry Loraine Baker, a brave Vice-admiral. His grandfather, Sir Robert Baker, was given the title of Baronet in 1796.
Henry went to Trinity College, Cambridge for his university education. He finished his studies in 1844 and became a priest. In 1851, he became the vicar (a type of church leader) of a place called Monkland in England. When his father passed away in 1859, Henry became the 3rd Baronet.
Writing Hymns
Sir Henry started writing hymns in 1852 while he was at Monkland. One of his first hymns was 'Oh, what if we are Christ's.' He also wrote 'Praise, O praise our Lord and King' and 'There is a blessed Home.'
He is most famous for helping to create and edit a very important collection of hymns called 'Hymns Ancient and Modern.' This book was first published in 1861. Sir Henry wrote many new hymns for this collection. He also translated some old Latin hymns into English. This hymnal became very popular in churches.
Sir Henry Baker passed away on February 12, 1877, at his home in Monkland. He was 55 years old. His last words were from one of his most famous hymns, The King of Love My Shepherd Is: "Perverse and foolish oft I strayed / But yet in love He sought me / And on His shoulder gently laid / And home, rejoicing, brought me."
To remember him, beautiful stained glass windows were placed in his church and in another church called All Saints Notting Hill.
Famous Hymns
- O praise ye the Lord! Praise him in the height (based on Psalm 150)
- My Father, for another night (tune of St. Timothy)
- The King of Love My Shepherd Is (based on Psalm 23)
