Christian F. Witt, 1660-1716, was a court organist and later Kapellmeister at Gotha. He composed a number of hymn tunes.
89. From the eastern mountains
Godfrey Thring, 1823-1903
Based on Matt. 2:2: “We have seen his star in the east and are come to worship Him.” Its reference to the guiding star and its missionary emphasis fit it ideally for the Epiphany season, but the hymn may be used appropriately on more general occasions.
Godfrey Thring was educated at Shrewsbury and Balliol College, Oxford, and held various positions as minister in the Church of England. In 1859, he succeeded his father as rector of Alford-with-Hornblotton and in 1876, became prebendary of East Harptree in Wells Cathedral. He published various hymn books of a high literary standard.
MUSIC. PRINCETHORPE. This tune, by William Pitts, 1824-1903, was taken from The Hymnary of the United Church of Canada. No information is at hand concerning the composer or the origin of the tune.
90. We three kings of Orient are
John H. Hopkins, Jr., 1820-91
A popular carol giving the story of the wise men seeing the star and bringing gifts to the Christ child.
John Henry Hopkins, Jr., was born at Pittsburgh, Pa. His father was an Episcopalian minister who became the Bishop of Vermont. John was educated at the University of Vermont and later was minister at Williamsport, Pa. He is the author of several books of poems.