Godfrey Thring (b. Alford, Somersetshire, England, 1823; d. Shamley Green, Guilford, Surrey, England, 1903) was born in the parsonage of Alford, where his father was rector. Educated at Balliol College, Oxford, England, he was ordained a priest in the Church of England in 1847. After serving in several other parishes, Thring returned to Alford and Hornblotten in 1858 to succeed his father as rector, a position he retained until his own retirement in 1893. He was also associated with Wells Cathedral (1867-1893). After 1861 Thring wrote many hymns and published several hymnals, including Hymns Congregational (1866), Hymns and Sacred Lyrics (1874), and the respected A Church of England Hymn Book Adapted to the Daily Services of the Church Throughout the Year (1880), which was enlarged as The Church of England Hymn Book (1882).
Bert Polman
================
Thring, Godfrey, B.A., son of the Rev. J. G. D. Thring, of Alford, Somerset, was born at Alford, March 25, 1823, and educated at Shrewsbury School, and at Balliol College, Oxford, B.A. in 1845. On taking Holy Orders he was curate of Stratfield-Turgis, 1846-50; of Strathfieldsaye, 1850-53; and of other parishes to 1858, when he became rector of Alford-with-Hornblotton, Somerset. R.D. 1867-76. In 1876 he was preferred as prebend of East Harptree in Wells cathedral. Prebendary Thring's poetical works are:— Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866; Hymns and Verses, 1866; and Hymns and Sacred Lyrics, 1874. In 1880 he published A Church of England Hymnbook Adapted to the Daily Services of the Church throughout the Year; and in 1882, a revised and much improved edition of the same as The Church of England Hymn Book, &c.
A great many of Prebendary Thring's hymns are annotated under their respective first lines; the rest in common use include:—
1. Beneath the Church's hallowed shade. Consecration of a Burial Ground. Written in 1870. This is one of four hymns set to music by Dr. Dykes, and first published by Novello & Co., 1873. It was also included (but without music) in the author's Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874, p. 170, and in his Collection, 1882.
2. Blessed Saviour, Thou hast taught us. Quinquagesima. Written in 1866, and first published in the author's Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866. It was republished in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and his Collection, 1882. It is based upon the Epistle for Quinquagesima.
3. Blot out our sins of old. Lent. Written in 1862, and first published in Hymns Congregational and Others Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and his Collection, 1882. It is in several collections in Great Britain and America, and has been specially set to music by H. H. Pierson (Novello & Co.), and in other hymnals.
4. Bowed down with sorrow, sin, and shame. Lent. Written in 1880, and first published in his Collection, 1882, as a Processional during Lent. It is of more than usual merit.
5. Bulwark of a mighty nation. Church Conferences, &c. Written in 1876, and first published with music by the Rev. S. M. Barkworth (Novello), 1877, and by many others. In the author's Collection, 1882.
6. Dead to life, yet loath to die. Invitation to the Weary. Written in 1862, and first published in Morrell & How's Psalms & Hymns1864; and in other hymnals.
7. For mercy, Lord, I cry. Lent. Written in 1862. and first published in his Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866, and his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874.
8. From the eastern mountains . Epiphany . Written in 1873, and first published in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874, and his Collection, 1882. It is a Processional for Epiphany, and is found in several collections.
9. Gird we, soldiers, for the battle. Purity. Written for the White Cross Army, and published in the Bath and WellsDiocesan Magazine, July, 1884.
10. God the Father, God the Son, Holy Spirit, Three in One. Litany for Close of Service. Written in 1871, and first published in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and in his Collection, 1882, and in other hymnals.
11. Grant us, 0 our heavenly Father. Growth in Grace desired. Written in 1881, at the request of the Rev. Preb. W. Michell, Diocesan Inspector of Schools for Bath and Wells, to set forth the growth of religion through the ordinances of the Church, and first published in the author's Collection, 1882.
12. Great Architect of worlds unknown. Holy Trinity. Written in 1872, and first published in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and again in his Collection, 1882.
13. Hail, sacred day of earthly rest . Sunday. Written in 1863, and first published in his Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866, in 13 stanzas of 4 1ines.
14. Hark J hear ye not the angel-song . Christmas Carol. Written in 1868 at the request of the Rev. R. R. Chope, and published in the author's Collection, 1882, in 2 stanzas of 8 lines. Of this hymn, st. ii.,l lines 1-4, are by George Wither.
15. Hark! the vault of heaven is ringing. Ascension. Written in 1873, and first published in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874: again in his Collection, 1882; and again in other hymnals.
16. Hast thou sinned? sin no more. Lent. Written in 1867, and first published in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874. In common use in America.
17. Have we no zeal for Him Who died? Conversion of St. Paul. Written in 1876, and published in his Collection, 1880, and again in 1882.
18. Heal me, 0 my Saviour, heal. Lent. Written in 1866, and first published in his Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866, in
5 stanzas of 4 lines. Its use has extended to America.
19. Hear us, Thou who broodedst. Processional for Whitsuntide. Written in 1873, and first published in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and in his Collection, 1882, also in other hymnals. The latter is his authorized text.
20. In the Name of God the Father. Holy Baptism. Written in 1869, and first published in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874, and again in his Collection, 1882. The second stanza begins, "Washed beneath the mystic waters."
21. Jesu, heavenly Shepherd. The Good Shepherd. Written in 1872, and first published in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874, and again in his Collection, 1880; also in other hymnals.
22. Lord God Almighty, Who nearest all, &c. God the Hearer of Prayer. Written in 1856, and first published in his Collection, 1880, and repeated in the edition of 1882.
23. Lord of Power, Lord of Might. Collect, 7th Sunday after Trinity. Written in 1862, and first published in Chop's Hymnal the same year. It is also in a large number of collections, and ranks in popularity with most of the author's best hymns. It has been specially set to music by Dr. Monk, and by H. H. Pierson.
24. Make me holy, 0 my Saviour. Holiness desired. Written in 1867, and first published in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and again in his Collection, 1882 (Private Use).
25. 0 death, thou art no more . Death anticipated with Joy. Written in 1862, and published in Chope's Hymnal the same year.
26. 0 for the faith that knows no doubt. Unfailing Faith desired. Written in 1864, and first published in his Hys. and Verses, 1866; his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and his Collection, 1880; but omitted from the ed. of 1882.
27. 0 God of mercy, God of might, in love and pity infinite. Offertory. Written in 1877, and first published in his Collection, 1880, and again in 1882. Specially set to music by H. S. Irons.
28. 0 God, the King of glory, Who. Collect, Sunday after the Ascension . Written in May, 1863, and published in his Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866; his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and his Collection, 1880; but omitted from the ed. of 1882.
29. 0 Mighty God, Creator, King. For those travel¬ling by Land or by Sea. Written in 1878 for his Collection and published therein, 1880, and 1882.
30. 0 sing to the Lord with a psalm of thanksgiving. Church Conference. Written in 1871, and published in Four Hymns, set to music by Dr. Dykes, 1873. A fine Processional hymn for Church gatherings of various kinds.
31. 0 Thou Who dwellest in realms of light. Praise for Divine Mercies. Written in 1862, and first published in his Hymns Congregational and Others. Specially set to music by H. H. Pierson in his Hymn Tunes, 2nd Series (Simpkin & Marshall, 1872.
32. 0 Thou, Who every change of human life. St. Thomas. Written in 1875, and first published in his Coll., 1880, and also in the 1882 ed. of the same.
33. 0 Thou, Who from one blood didst make. For Unity. First published in his Collection, 1880; again in 1882, and in other hymnals.
34. 0 Thou Who madest land and sea. For Orphans. Written in 1881, and included in his Collection, 1882.
35. 0 Thou, Who sitt'st enthroned above all worlds both great and small. Consecration of a Church. Written in 1867, and published with music by Dr. Dykes in Four Hymns, 1873, and used at the consecration of Hornblotton Church, Feb. 19, 1874. Also in other hymnals.
36. See the Sun high heaven ascending. Midday. Written in 1864, and first published in his Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866; in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and in his Collection, 1882.
37. The ocean hath no danger. For Use at Sea. Written in 1862, and first published in his Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866; his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and in his Collection, 1882.
38. Thou that sendest sun and rain. Times of Scarcity. Written in 1862, and first published in his Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866, as a hymn for a "Bad Harvest." It was repeated in several hymnals.
39. Thou to Whom the sick and dying. On behalf of Hospital. Written in 1870, at the request of Preb. Hutton of Lincoln, and first published in his Supplement, Lincoln, 1871; and again with music by H. H. Pierson in Hymn Tunes (Simpkin & Marshall), 1872. It is also in several other hymnbooks.
40. Thrice happy he whose tranquil min . Contentment. Written in 1863. It is given in one or two American hymnbooks.
41. Thy love for all Thy creatures . Midday . Written in 1864,and first published in his Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866; again in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; his Collection, 1882, and several hymn-books.
42. To Thee, 0 God, we render thanks. Holy Scripture. Written in 1880, and published in his Collection, 1882.
43. Watch now, ye Christians, watch and pray. Advent. Written in 1861, and first published in Chope's Hymnal, 1862. Afterwards repeated in other hymnals.
44. We know not, 0 we know not, how far a prayer may go. Prayer. Written in 1866, and first published in Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874; and again, abbreviated, in his Collection, 1882 (Private Use).
45. With tears and hearts bowed down with sorrow. Death of a Child. Written by request in 1881 for the funeral of a little boy, William Holmes Orr, son of the Rev. W. H. Orr, Rector of West Lydford, Somerset, who was killed by the fall of a shed, under which he with five other boys had taken refuge during the great storm on Oct. 14, 1881.
46. Work is sweet for God has blest . Work. Written in 1863, and first published in his Hymns Congregational and Others, 1866; his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874 ; his Collection, 1882, and other hymn-books.
In addition to the above, Prebendary Thring wrote in 1868 a series of “Hymns on the Creation," as set forth in the first chapter of Genesis, and published the same in his Hymns & Sacred Lyrics, 1874, and in his Collection, 1880 and 1882. These hymns have also passed into other collections. They are all in the same metre (8.8.8.8.8.6), and are certainly very fine. The first lines are:—
47. When o'er the water's misty deep. Sunday.
48. The earth in robes of light arrayed. Monday.
49. With azure girdle circled round. Tuesday.
50. So grass, and herb, and fruitful tree. Wednesday.
51. Four days had come and gone to rest. Thursday.
52. The last great day of work had come. Friday.
53. And now,'mid myriad worlds enthroned. Saturday.
Although, as is natural, Prebendary Thring's hymns are more fully represented in his own Collection than elsewhere, yet a fair proportion are found in a large number of hymnbooks in Great Britain and America. His hymns are mainly objective, and are all of them of a strong and decided character. The poetical, as distinct from the sermonizing style of hymn-writing on the one hand, and the grand use of Holy Scripture (as by Bishop C. Wordsworth) on the other, is very prominent, with a tendency to diffuseness and over-elaboration. His descriptive and narrative hymns are very few, and Passiontide and the two Sacraments of the Church are almost untouched. In some of his finer hymns his tone is high and his structure massive, in several others his plaintiveness is very tender, whilst very varied, and his rhythm is almost always perfect. The prominent features throughout are a clear vision, a firm faith, a positive reality, and an exulting hopefulness. His hymnbook possesses the same features of strength, beauty, and excellence.
-- Excerpts from John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
Godfrey Thring wrote st. 3 of "Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing" in Lutheran Service Book, 2006, # 924
========================
See also in:
====================
My Starred Hymns
My FlexScores
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files
