John Darwall facts for kids
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John Darwall (1731–1789) was an English clergyman and a hymn writer. He is famous for creating many church songs, also known as hymns.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Darwall was born in 1731 in a village called Haughton in Staffordshire, England. He went to Manchester Grammar School and then to Brasenose College, Oxford. He was very smart and started college when he was only 14 years old. He finished his studies in 1756.
Career as a Clergyman
After college, John Darwall became a curate at St Matthew's Parish in Walsall. Later, he became the vicar there. A vicar is a type of priest in the Church of England.
Family Life
In 1766, John Darwall married Mary Whateley. She was his second wife. Mary was also a talented writer and a published poet. She even ran a printing press and wrote hymns herself.
His Famous Music
John Darwall is best known for his song setting of Psalm 148. This tune is often called DARWALL'S 148th. It is commonly sung with the words "Rejoice the Lord is King." These words come from a poem by Charles Wesley. It is also sung to "Ye holy angels bright" by Richard Baxter.
The song DARWALL'S 148th was first performed in 1773. It was played when a new organ was first used in a church.
Other Musical Works
Darwall wrote many other tunes for a special book of psalms. This book was called the New Version and was created by Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady. He also wrote poetry that was published in a magazine called The Gentleman's Magazine.
His Son
John Darwall also had a son, who was also named John. His son became a vicar in 1796. He also worked as a lecturer at St John's Chapel in Deritend, Birmingham.
Later Life and Death
John Darwall passed away on December 18, 1789, in Walsall. This town is in the West Midlands area of England. He was buried at the Bath Street Burial Grounds.
