Robert Murray

Short Name: Robert Murray
Full Name: Murray, Robert, 1832-1910
Birth Year: 1832
Death Year: 1910

Murray, Robert, Minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, born Dec. 25, 1832, is the author of "From ocean unto ocean" (National Hymn), and "Lord, Thou lov'st the cheerful giver" (Almsgiving), in the Scotch Church Hymnary, 1898. [Rev. James Bonar M.A.]

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)

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Murray, Robert. (Earltown, Nova Scotia, December 25, 1832--December 12, 1910, Halifax, N.S.). Presbyterian. Study at Halifax's Free Church College yielded him a licence to preach, but instead of seeking ordination he edited (1855-1910) his denomination's principal periodical in the Maritimes, Presbyterian Witness. In its pages, and from pulpits, he strongly supported controversial causes like temperance, Sunday observance, and the Confederation of 1867 (which in Halifax was greeting with a day of public mourning). These interests are reflected in his four hymns included in Canadian Presbyterians' first Hymnal (1880)--though, as the sole native-born contributor, he attached to them only the initial "M." to avoid giving the impression of claiming equality with poets of the homeland.

--Hugh D. McKellar, DNAH Archives


Texts by Robert Murray (9)sort ascendingAsAuthority LanguagesInstances
Thou, Lord, art our life and the length of our daysRobert Murray (Author)English4
Sow the seed beside all watersRev. Robert Murray (Author)English11
Our loved Dominion blessRobert Murray, 1832-1909 (Author)5
Our blessed bond of unionRobert Murray, 1838-1909 (Author)English6
Lord, Thou lovest the cheerful giverRev. Robert Murray (Author)English37
Jesus, Lord, we humbly pray, Take our gifts on this Thy dayRobert Murray (Author)English4
Grant us, Lord, the grace of givingRobert Murray (Author)English5
God save our gracious king [queen]Robert Murray, 1832-1910 (Author (stanza 3))English2
From ocean unto ocean, Our land shall own you, LordRobert Murray (Author)English75
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