Hymn #212: O Jesus Christ, May Grateful Hymns

Bradford Gray Webster (1898-1991) wrote this text in response to the Hymn Society’s search for new hymns about the city. It was selected for use at the Convocation of Urban Life in America in 1954, sponsored by the Council of Bishops of the Methodist Church, and was subsequently published.

Bradford Gray Webster was born in Syracuse, New York, attended Amherst (Massachusetts) College, and served in World War I. Ordained to the Methodist ministry following graduation from Boston University School of Theology, he served churches in New York state for forty years.

David Evans (1874-1948) composed CHARTERHOUSE for a different text in Revised Church Hymnary (1927). Evans was the editor and a member of the revision committee for this work, representing his native Wales. The hymnbook sought to update church music in use in Great Britain.

David Evans served from 1903 until 1939 as professor of music at University College in Cardiff, Wales, where he also received his education. In addition, he was senior professor at the University of Wales. He died shortly after conducting a Gymanfa Ganu (singing festival) near Wrexham in 1948.