Henry John Thompson

Thompson, Henry John, M.A., son of John Northon Thompson, was born at Kingsclere, Hants, 1830; was Tylney Exhibitioner Queen's College, Oxford, 1850; and graduated B.A. in 1853, M.A. in 1856. On taking Holy Orders, he became curate of St. Mary's, Warwick. In 1859 he was instituted to the vicarage of Dodford, near Weedon, Northants. In 1878 he became chaplain to the R.A. garrison at Weedon, and in 1879 was appointed rural dean of Weedon. Mr. Thompson has written, "Christ, we come before Thee" (Holy Matrimony), to be sung at the commencement of the office of Holy Matrimony. It was first printed, with music by the Rev. T. R. Matthews, by Novello & Co.; and again, together with the same music, in the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Church Hymns, 1871, No. 238, in 4 double stanzas of 8 lines. Mr. Thompson has also written a few hymns for "Harvest," "Confirmation," and other occasions, and some carols. These, with other poetical pieces, were published in his Hymns and other Verses, and form a pleasing volume. He died Dec. 12, 1887.

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)