373. O Son of Man, Thou madest known
Milton S. Littlefield, 1864-1934
A hymn on the sacredness of work, connecting Jesus with the labor of mankind. The emphasis on the social aspect of religion in terms of our common life is a dominant note in twentieth-century hymnody.
The author, Milton S. Littlefield, was born in New York City; educated at Johns Hopkins and Union Theological Seminary; and became an honored and prominent Presbyterian minister. Recognized as an authority in the field of hymnology, he edited two hymn books and was elected president of the American Hymn Society, 1927-28. Besides the present hymn, he wrote another beginning with the line, “Come, O Lord, like morning sunlight.” Both are serviceable hymns, and it is singular that neither found its way into the Presbyterian Hymnal, 1933.
MUSIC. BROOKFIELD. This tune first appeared in the Congregational Church Hymnal, London, 1887, edited by Dr. E. J. Hopkins (See [43]). The book contained the best hymn tunes for congregational singing then available.
The composer, Thomas Bishop Southgate, 1814-68, received his musical education under Sir John Goss and Samuel S. Wesley. For many years he was organist at St. Anne’s Church, London.
374. Though lowly here our lot may be
William Gaskell, 1805-84
A hymn on the dignity of all work which is done through faith and trust in Christ.
The author, William Gaskell, studied at Glasgow University and Manchester College, York, and became a Unitarian minister. His one and only charge was Cross Street Chapel, Manchester. He became Professor of English History and Literature in Manchester New College and was an influential leader in the community in the promotion of education and culture. His denomination bestowed upon him its highest honors. Mrs. Gaskell, a woman of brilliance and unusual literary gifts was encouraged by her husband to engage in literary work to distract her mind from the grief caused by the death of their little son. She turned out to be a popular writer, publishing works of fiction and the life of Charlotte Brontë. A memorial to her bears testimony to her genius, and to the “tenderness and fidelity” with which she adorned the minister’s home. Gaskell, a pioneer in social reform, wrote this hymn sometime before 1860.