Robert Murray › Hymnals

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