1830 - 1900 Author of "Holy Ghost, this day descending" Gabb, James, B.A., was born at Ebley, Gloucestershire, Feb. 3, 1830, and educated at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, graduating in honours in 1854. On taking Holy Orders he was curate of Barton-le-Street, 1854-64; domestic chaplain to the Earls of Carlisle at Castle Howard, 1855-75; curate of Bulmer, 1864-7; and rector of Bulmer from 1867. In 1864 he published:—
(1) Steps to the Throne; or Meditations and Prayers in Verse (Lond., Nisbet & Co.) containing 218 original versions of Psalms & Hymns. In 1871 a second volume, including many of the hymns in the former work, was published as (2) Hymns and Songs of Pilgrim Life; or Steps to the Throne. (Lond., Nisbet & Co.) It contained 103 hymns & songs. The English Sacred Songster (London, Sunday School Union), 1873, included 14 hymns by Mr. Gabb, one only being new, and 11 tunes. In 1875 the hymns in the foregoing works were collected, revised and pub. as (3) The Welburn Appendix of Original Hymns and Tunes. It comprises 116 hymns, the best known being "Jesus, Thou wast once a child” and "Saints exalted high in glory" (q. v.)
The music of The Welburn Appendix was edited by Dr. S. S. Wesley, he contributing thereto 22 tunes, 10 of which were from his European Psalmist. Mr. Gabb also contributed 44 tunes. This Appendix, although limited in use, is worthy of attention, with regard both to hymns and tunes, by hymnal compilers and their musical editors. Many of Mr. Gabb's hymns have been rewritten by him from time to time. The Welburn Appendix contains the authorised text.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
James Gabb