James Freeman

Freeman, James, D.D. Born at Charlestown, Mass., April 22, 1759, and graduated at Harvard, 1777. He was "the first avowed preacher of Unitarianism in the United States.” In 1782 he was "Reader" in King's Chapel, and assisted or guided that historic parish in its change from Episcopacy to the then new ways in teaching and discipline. In 1787 he was "ordained," and retained the pastorate of the King's Chapel till 1826. He altered its Liturgy, and prepared for its use the King's Chapel Collection of Psalms & Hymns, 1799. Died Nov. 14, 1835. His hymn, "Lord of the worlds below," is based on Thomson's "Hymn on the Seasons." It appeared in the Psalms & Hymns, 1799, and is found in various collections. Original text in Putnam's Singers and Songs of the Liberal Faith,1875. [Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.]

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)