John R. Sweney

John R. Sweney
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Short Name: John R. Sweney
Full Name: Sweney, John R., 1837-1899
Birth Year: 1837
Death Year: 1899

John R. Sweney (1837-1899) was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and exhibited musical abilities at an early age. At nineteen he was studying with a German music teacher, leading a choir and glee club, and performing at children’s entertainments. By twenty-two he was teaching at a school in Dover, Delaware. Soon thereafter, he was put in charge of the band of the Third Delaware Regiment of the Union Army for the duration of the Civil War. After the war, he became Professor of Music at the Pennsylvania Military Academy, and director of Sweney’s Cornet Band. He eventually earned Bachelor and Doctor of Music degrees at the Academy.

Sweney began composing church music in 1871 and became well-known as a leader of large congregations. His appreciators stated “Sweney knows how to make a congregation sing” and “He had great power in arousing multitudes.” He also became director of music for a large Sunday school at the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia of which John Wanamaker was superintendent (Wanamaker was the founder of the first major department store in Philadelphia). In addition to his prolific output of hymn melodies and other compositions, Sweney edited or co-edited about sixty song collections, many in collaboration with William J. Kirkpatrick. Sweney died on April 10, 1899, and his memorial was widely attended and included a eulogy by Wanamaker.

Joe Hickerson from "Joe's Jottings #9" used by permission


Texts by John R. Sweney (13)sort descendingAsAuthority LanguagesInstances
Behold the ark of God, behold the open doorJ. R. S. (Author (chorus))English3
Father, enthron'd above, Hear us in gracious loveJno. R. Sweney (Author)2
He that dwelleth in the presence of the Highest, shall abideJohn R. Sweney (Author)English1
I am waiting, O my FatherJohn R. Sweney (Author)English4
In gospel armor now I standJohn R. Sweney (Author)1
In the secret of His presence I am kept from strife of tonguesJ. R. Sweney (Author)English1
Like a shepherd, tender, true, Jesus leads, Jesus leadsJ. R. S. (Author)English1
Our Savior came down from his home in the skiesJohn R. Sweney (Author)1
Sing on, ye joyful pilgrimsJ. R. S. (Author)English1
Take up thy cross, the Savior said, If thou wouldst my disciple beJohn R. Sweney (Author)English1
There's a fountain, precious fountainJohn R. Sweney (Author)2
Tidings, happy tidingsJohn R. Sweney (Author)English1
Whenever we meet, you always sayJ. R. S. (Arranger)English3

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