H. Ernest Nichol

H. Ernest Nichol (b. Hull, Yorkshire, England, 1862; d. Skirlaugh, Yorkshire, England, 1926) had begun a study program in civil engineering when he decided to study music instead. In 1888 he received a bachelor's degree in music from Oxford University. Nichol wrote some 130 hymn tunes and texts, many under the pseudonym “Colin Sterne” (derived from his middle and last name); many were first sung at church school programs.

Psalter Hymnal Handbook

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Nichol, Henry Ernest, was b. Dec. 10, 1862, at Hull. He took the degree of MUS. BAC. at Oxford in 1888. He has written fourteen sets of Sunday School Anniversary Hymns (130 in all), with original tunes, besides many published in leaflet form, mostly under the anagram of 1677
Colin Sterne. The following are in the Sunday School Hymnary, 1905, the dates being those of composition and publication by the author:—
1. Life is opening out before you. Christian Courage 1897.
2. Rest, O rest! at eve Thy children's voices. Evening. 1897.
3. We've a story to tell to the nations. Foreign Missions. 1896.
4. Where the flag is flying. Boys Brigade. 1901.
[Rev. James Mearns, M.A.]

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