Three members of the Bonar family became eminent ministers in the Free Church of Scotland (Presbyterian)—Andrew in Glasgow; John in Greenock; and Horatius in Edinburgh. Horatius was accustomed to visit his brother John once a year at the communion service. Hymns were still not permitted to be sung in the church, but an original poem was invariably read after the communion. This hymn was written by Horatius Bonar at the request of his brother John for the occasion of such a visit in October, 1855. It has become a widely used communion hymn in all churches.
For further comments on Horatius Bonar see [Hymn 129].
MUSIC. LANGRAN, known in England as “St. Agnes,” is named after the composer, James Langran, 1835-1909, London organist and composer, who wrote this music for “Abide with me” ([40]). It was published separately in 1861 and two years later appeared in Psalms and Hymns adapted to the services of the Church of England, with accompanying tunes selected and revised by John Foster.
The hymn is also sung to “Ellers” (See [43] or [286]).
304. Bread of the world, in mercy broken
Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
“A quiet communion hymn full of loveliness and warm reality of faith.”—Reeves.
This popular communion hymn by Bishop Heber was published posthumously with the title, “Before the Sacrifice.”
For comments on Reginald Heber see [Hymn 1].
MUSIC. EUCHARISTIC HYMN, a tune “beautiful in its simplicity,” has always been associated with this hymn by Heber. The composer, John Sebastian Bach Hodges, 1830-1915, son of the illustrious organist, Edward Hodges, was born in Bristol, England, but came to America when eight years old. He received his education at Columbia University and General Theological Seminary, New York City, and became a noted minister in the Protestant Episcopal Church. He had excellent musical knowledge and founded in Baltimore the earliest choir school in the United States. He also did much work on the various revisions of the Episcopal hymnal.