Thomas Gibbons (hymn writer) facts for kids
Dr. Thomas Gibbons (born 1720, died 1785) was a minister from London. He was a "nonconformist," meaning he didn't follow the main Church of England. Thomas Gibbons was known for writing hymns (religious songs), sermons (religious speeches), and poetry.
The Life of Thomas Gibbons
Thomas Gibbons was born on May 31, 1720, in Reach, Cambridgeshire. His father, also named Thomas Gibbons, was a minister too. Young Thomas went to local schools as he grew up.
When he was about 15, he attended special schools called "dissenting academies." These schools were for students who didn't belong to the main church. He studied at academies in Deptford and Moorfields.
In 1742, Thomas Gibbons became an assistant minister. He worked with the Presbyterian church in Silver Street. The next year, he became the main minister for an Independent church at Haberdashers' Hall.
In 1754, he started teaching at the Mile End academy. He taught subjects like logic, ethics, and public speaking. He continued teaching there for the rest of his life.
He also gave Sunday evening lectures starting in 1759. Thomas Gibbons received special university degrees for his work. He got his M.A. degree in 1760 and his D.D. degree in 1764. In 1775, he was chosen to be part of the American Philosophical Society. This was a group of important thinkers and scientists.
Thomas Gibbons passed away on February 22, 1785. He was well-known for his hymns. Some people made fun of his poetry, calling him "Dr. Hymnmaker." However, a famous writer named Samuel Johnson enjoyed spending time with him.
What Thomas Gibbons Wrote
Thomas Gibbons wrote many books and poems. Here are some of his important works:
- Juvenilia; poems on various subjects of devotion and virtue, published in 1750.
- Rhetoric, published in 1767. This book was about public speaking.
- Hymns adapted to Divine Worship, published in 1769. These were songs for church services.
- The Christian Minister, in three Poetic Epistles, published in 1772.
- Female Worthies, a two-volume set published in 1777.
- Memoirs of the Rev. Isaac Watts, D.D., published in 1780. This was a book about another famous minister.
- Sermons on evangelical and practical subjects, a three-volume set published in 1787.
He also enjoyed writing elegies. These are poems written to honor someone who has died. He wrote many of these for his friends and other people.
