Henry Smart (b. Marylebone, London, England, 1813; d. Hampstead, London, 1879), a capable composer of church music who wrote some very fine hymn tunes (REGENT SQUARE, 354, is the best-known).
Smart gave up a career in the legal profession for one in music. Although largely self taught, he became proficient in organ playing and composition, and he was a music teacher and critic. Organist in a number of London churches, including St. Luke's, Old Street (1844-1864), and St. Pancras (1864-1869), Smart was famous for his extemporizations and for his accompaniment of congregational singing. He became completely blind at the age of fifty-two, but his remarkable memory enabled him to continue playing the organ. Fascinated by organs as a youth… Go to person page >
Jesus, Sun and Shield art Thou;
Sun and Shield for ever:
Never canst Thou cease to shine,
Cease to guard us never.
Cheer our steps as on we go,
Come between us and the foe.
Tune Title: COLDREYFirst Line: Jesus, sun and shield art thouComposer: Henry T. SmartMeter: 76. 76. 77Key: B♭ MajorDate: 1992Source: Psalms and Hymns for Divine Worship, 1867