William Walsham How

William Walsham How
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Short Name: William Walsham How
Full Name: How, William Walsham, 1823-1897
Birth Year: 1823
Death Year: 1897

William W. How (b. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, 1823; d. Leenane, County Mayo, Ireland, 1897) studied at Wadham College, Oxford, and Durham University and was ordained in the Church of England in 1847. He served various congregations and became Suffragan Bishop in east London in 1879 and Bishop of Wakefield in 1888. Called both the "poor man's bishop" and "the children's bishop," How was known for his work among the destitute in the London slums and among the factory workers in west Yorkshire. He wrote a number of theological works about controversies surrounding the Oxford Movement and attempted to reconcile biblical creation with the theory of evolution. He was joint editor of Psalms and Hymns (1854) and Church Hymns (1871). While rector in Whittington, How wrote some sixty hymns, including many for chil­dren. His collected Poems and Hymns were published in 1886.

Bert Polman

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How, William Walsham, D.D., son of William Wybergh How, Solicitor, Shrewsbury, was born Dec. 13, 1823, at Shrewsbury, and educated at Shrewsbury School and Wadham College, Oxford (B.A. 1845). Taking Holy Orders in 1846, he became successively Curate of St. George's, Kidderminster, 1846; and of Holy Cross, Shrewsbury, 1848. In 1851 he was preferred to the Rectory of Whittington, Diocese of St. Asaph, becoming Rural Dean in 1853, and Hon. Canon of the Cathedral in 1860. In 1879 he was appointed Rector of St. Andrew's Undershaft, London, and was consecrated Suffragan Bishop for East London, under the title of the Bishop of Bedford, and in 1888 Bishop of Wakefield. Bishop How is the author of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Commentary on the Four Gospels; Plain Words , Four Series; Plain Words for Children; Pastor in Parochia; Lectures on Pastoral Work; Three All Saints Summers, and Other Poems , and numerous Sermons , &c. In 1854 was published Psalms and Hymns, Compiled by the Rev. Thomas Baker Morrell, M.A., . . . and the Rev. William Walsham How, M.A. This was republished in an enlarged form in 1864, and to it was added a Supplement in 1867. To this collection Bishop How contributed several hymns, and also to the S. P. C. K. Church Hymns , of which he was joint editor, in 1871. The Bishop's hymns in common use amount in all to nearly sixty.
Combining pure rhythm with great directness and simplicity, Bishop How's compositions arrest attention more through a comprehensive grasp of the subject and the unexpected light thrown upon and warmth infused into facia and details usually shunned by the poet, than through glowing imagery and impassioned rhetoric. He has painted lovely images woven with tender thoughts, but these are few, and found in his least appreciated work. Those compositions which have laid the firmest hold upon the Church, are simple, unadorned, but enthusiastically practical hymns, the most popular of which, "O Jesu, Thou art standing"; "For all the Saints who from their labours rest," and "We give Thee but Thine own," have attained to a foremost rank. His adaptations from other writers as in the case from Bishop Ken, "Behold, the Master passeth by," are good, and his Children's hymns are useful and popular. Without any claims to rank as a poet, in the sense in which Cowper and Montgomery were poets, he has sung us songs which will probably outlive all his other literary works.
The more important of Bishop How's hymns, including those already named, and "Lord, Thy children guide and keep"; "O Word of God Incarnate"; "This day at Thy creating word"; "Who is this so weak and helpless"; and others which have some special history or feature of interest, are annotated under their respective first lines. The following are also in common use:—
i. From Psalms & Hymns, 1854.
1. Before Thine awful presence, Lord. Confirmation.
2. Jesus, Name of wondrous love [priceless worth]. Circumcision. The Name Jesus .
3. Lord Jesus, when we stand afar. Passiontide.
4. O blessing rich, for sons of men. Members of Christ.
5. 0 Lord of Hosts, the earth is Thine. In time of War.
6. O Lord, Who in Thy wondrous love. Advent.
ii. From Psalms & Hymns, enlarged, 1864.
7. Lord, this day Thy children meet. Sunday School Anniversary.
iii. From Supplement to the Psalms & Hymns, 1867.
8. Hope of hopes and joy of joys. Resurrection.
9. 0 daughters blest of Galilee. For Associations of Women.
10. O happy feet that tread. Public Worship.
11. With trembling awe the chosen three. Transfiguration.
iv. From Parish Magazine, 1871, and Church Hymns, 1871.
12. O Jesu, crucified for man. Friday.
13. Yesterday, with worship blest. Monday.
v. From the S. P. C. K. Church Hymns. 1871.
14. Bowed low in supplication. For the Parish.
15. Great Gabriel sped on wings of light. Annunciation, of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
16. O blest was he, whose earlier skill. St. Luke.
17. O God, enshrined in dazzling light. Omnipresence. Divine Worship .
18. O heavenly Fount of Light and Love. Witsuntide.
19. O Lord, it is a blessed thing. Weekdays.
20. 0 One with God the Father. Epiphany.
21. O Thou through suffering perfect made. Hospitals.
22. Rejoice, ye sons of men. Purification of the B. V. M.
23. Summer suns are glowing. Summer.
24. The year is swiftly waning. Autumn.
25. Thou art the Christ, O Lord. St. Peter.
26. To Thee our God we fly. National Hymn.
27. Upon the holy Mount they stood. Transfiguration and Church Guilds.
28. We praise Thy grace, 0 Saviour. St. Mark.
vi. From the S. P. C. K. Children's Hymns, 1872.
29. Behold a little child. Jesus the Child's Example.
30. Come, praise your Lord and Saviour. Children's Praises.
31. It is a thing most wonderful. Sunday School Anniversary.
32. On wings of living light. Easter.
Bishop How's hymns and sacred and secular pieces were collected and published as Poems and Hymns, 1886. The Hymns, 54 in all, are also published separately. He d. Aug. 10, 1897.

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

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How, W. W., p. 540, i. He died Aug. 10, 1897. His Memoir, by F. D. How, was published in 1898.

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)


Texts by William Walsham How (111)AsAuthority LanguagesInstancessort descending
All praise to Thee, for Thou, O King divineWiliam W. How (Author (B))English1
From all that dwell below the skiesWilliam W. How, 1823-97 (Author (st. 3))English1
Für alle die den Glaubenslauf vollbrachtWilliam W. How (Author)German1
Für alle, die von ihren Werken ruh'nWilliam Walsham How (Author)German1
Great and glorious Father, humbly we adore theeWilliam Walsham How (Author)1
Hopo kiktapi yeW. Walsham How (Author)Dakota1
In Heavenly Love abidingW. W. How (Author)English1
Jesus! He caje wakaŋW. Walsham How (Author)Dakota1
O blest was he, whose earlier skillWilliam Walsham How (Author)English1
O Lord of hosts, the earth is thineWilliam W. How (Author)1
Soldiers of Christ, arise, And put your armor on; Strong in the strength which God suppliesW. Walsham How (Author)English1
The Lord ascendeth up on highW. W. How (Author)English1
Tohoŋwiŋd maḣpiya kiŋW. Walsham How (Author)Dakota1
Wakaŋtaŋka Tamakoce wakaŋW. Walsham How (Author)Dakota1
Before Thy holy presence, Lord, Thy sinful servants bowWilliam Walsham How (Author)English2
Bendito es el nombre de JesúsWilliam Walsham How (Author)Spanish2
Cristo, a mi puerta velasWilliam W. How (Author)Spanish2
എഴപ്പെട്ട ശിശുവാമീ- യൂദ പൈതൽ ഏതഹോ? (Eḻappeṭṭa śiśuvāmī- yūda paital ētahēā?)William W. How (Author)Malayalam2
For that great host who by their labors blestWilliam Walsham How (Author)2
Hoy de lo tuyo, oh DiosWilliam Walsham How (Author)Spanish2
Jesus, agtactacdercaWilliam Walsham How (Author)Tagalog2
Jesus, name decreed of oldBishop William W. How (Author)English2
Midera Anao ny olo-masinaW. W. How (Author)Malagasy2
Një gjë shumë e çuditshme ësht’William W. How (Author)Albanian2
Now the sun has passed awayBishop Walsham How (Author)English2
O blest communion, fellowshipWilliam Walsham How (Author)2
Oh Dios! Tu Verbo santoWilliam Walsham How (Author)Spanish2
O God, enshrined in dazzling lightWilliam W. How (Author)English2
O Jesu Christ, du wartestWilliam Walsham How (Author)German2
O Jesus, du stehst draußenWilliam Walsham How (Author)German2
O King of saints, we give Thee praise and gloryBp. W. W. How (Author)English2
O Wort, voll Trost und GnadenWilliam Walsham How (Author)German2
Pilgrim, seek not yet reposeWilliam Walsham How (Author)2
Por los que ya dejaron su laborWilliam Walsham How (Author)Spanish2
Pour tous les saints près de toi recueillisWilliam W. How (1823-1897) (Author)French2
Quién es este niño débilWilliam How (Author)Spanish2
Summer days are glowingWilliam Walsham How (Author)English2
Te damos gracias, Bondadoso ReyWilliam Walsham How (Author)Spanish2
The church of thy dear SonWilliam Walsham How (Author)2
The Poet scanned with mighty aweWilliam Walsham How (Author)English2
Todos los santos que en la tierra vanWilliam Walsham How (Author)Spanish2
Toy sagut ñga 'yegmiWilliam Walsham How (Author)Tagalog2
Yesterday with worship blestWilliam Walsham How (Author)English2
Bowed low in supplicationBishop W. Walsham How (Author)English3
Brightly gleams our bannerWilliam Walsham How, 1823-97 (Author)English3
E ka Logou me kakou, Ka Naauao mai oWm. Walsham How (Author)Hawaiian3
For all Thy love and goodness, so bountiful and freeWilliam Walsham How (Author)English3
For the apostles' glorious companyWilliam Walsham How (Author)English3
Great Shepherd of the sheep, Who all Thy flock doth keepW. W. How (Author)English3
Mid the homes of want and woeBishop William W. How (Author)3
O holy Lord uplifted highW. W. How (Author)English3
¡Oh, Verbo encarnado!William Walsham How (Author)Spanish3
Oh, Verbo encarnadoWilliam H. How (Author)Spanish3
Oh, Verbo humanadoWilliam Walsham How (Author)Spanish3
Upon the holy mount they stoodWilliam Walsham How (Author)3
Arise, O Lord of hostsWilliam Walsham How (Author)4
Before Thine awful presence, LordWilliam Walsham How (Author)English4
Herr Jesus, gib du selbst die KraftW. W. How (Author)German4
Jesús, nombre de amorWilliam Washam How (Author)Spanish4
O blessing rich, for sons of menWilliam Walsham How (Author)English4
O heavenly fount of light and loveWilliam Walsham How (Author)English4
O King of kings, whose reign of oldWilliam Walsham How, 1823-1897 (Author)4
Stand, soldier of the crossBishop W. W. How (Author)English4
With weary feet and saddened heartWilliam W. How (Author)English4
Rejoice, ye sons of men! Your brightest praises yieldWilliam Walsham How (Author)English5
Through the passing of the weekBp. William Walsham How (1823- ) (Author)English5
With trembling awe the chosen threeW. W. How, 1823-97 (Author)English5
O Jesus, strong and pure, and trueWilliam Walsham How (Author)6
Behold a little Child, Laid in a manger bedBp. W. W. How (Author)English7
God of mercy and of loveWilliam Walsham How (Author)English7
God's free mercy streamethWilliam W. How (Author)English7
The ever changing seasons in silence come and goWilliam Walsham How (Author)English8
We praise Thy grace, O SaviorW. Walsham How (Author)English8
O daughters blest of GalileeBishop William W. How (Author)English9
Ashamed of Thee! O dearest LordWilliam Walsham How (Author)English10
Blest Jesus, grant us strength to takeRev. Wm. Walsham How (Author)English10
The city paved with goldWilliam Walsham How (Author)English10
The angel sped on wings of lightW. W. How (Author)English11
Christian, seek not yet reposeWilliam Walsham How (Author)English12
Hoy, por los santos que descansan yaWilliam W. How, 1823-1897 (Author)Spanish13
O Lord, it is a blessed thingWm. Walsham How (Author)English13
The joyous life that year by yearWilliam Walsham How (Author)English13
This day the light of heavenly birthWilliam Walsham How (Author)English14
Who trusts in God, a strong abodeW. Walsham How (Alterer)English14
Winter reigneth over the landBp. William Walsham How (1823- ) (Author)English14
Thou art the Christ, O LordWilliam Walsham How, 1823-1897 (Author)English15
O Thou through suffering perfect madeWilliam Walsham How (Author)English16
When the dark waves round us rollBishop How (Author)English16
O my Savior, lifted From the earth for meWilliam Walsham How (Author)English19
O Holy Lord, content to live [fill]William Walsham How (Author)English32
This day, at Thy creating wordWilliam Walsham How (Author)English32
Lord, Thy children guide and keepWilliam Walsham How (Author)English34
Who is this, so weak and helplessBishop William W. How (Author)English34
The year is swiftly waningWilliam Walsham How (Author)English35
It is a thing most wonderfulBishop W. W. Howe, 1823-97 (Author)English37
O Jesus, crucified for manWilliam Walsham How (Author)English38
Nearer, O God, to Thee! Hear Thou our prayerWilliam Walsham How (Author)English40
Behold, the Master passeth by!William Walsham How (Author)English44
Come, praise your Lord and SaviorWilliam Walsham How (Author)English46
Lord, this day Thy children meetWilliam Walsham How (1823- ) (Author)English56
O One with God the FatherWilliam Walsham How (Author)English60
On wings of living lightW. W. How (Author)English70
To Thee our God, we flyWilliam Walsham How (Author)English78
Lord Jesus! when we stand afarRev. William Walsham How, 1823- (Author)English81
Soldiers of the cross, arise! Gird you with your armor brightWilliam Walsham How (Author)English84
Jesus! Name of wondrous love!William Walsham How (Author)English125
Summer suns are glowingBishop Walsham How, 1823-97 (Author)English216
We give Thee but Thine ownW. Walsham How (Author)English427
O Word of God incarnateWilliam W. How (Author)English443
For all the Saints, who from their labor restWilliam W. How (Author)English517
O Jesus, Thou art standingBishop W. W. Howe, 1823-97 (Author)English601

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