O, Blest the House, Whatever Befall

Author: Christoph Carl Ludwig von Pfeil

Pfeil, Christoph Carl Ludwig, Baron von, was born January 20, 1712, at Grünstadt, near Worms, where his father, Quirin Heinrich v. Pfeil, was then in the service of the Count of Leiningen. He matriculated at the University of Halle in 1728, as a student of law. After completing his course at the University of Tübingen, he was appointed, in 1732, Württemberg secretary of legation at Regensburg; then, in 1737, Justiz-und-Regierungsrath at Stuttgart; in 1745 Tutelar-raths-Präsident; in 1755 Kreisdirectorialgesandter to the Swabian Diet; in 1758 Geheim Legationsrath; and in 1759 Geheimrath. He found himself however at last no longer able to cooperate in carrying out the absolutism of the Württemberg prime minister Count Montmartin. When hi… Go to person page >

Translator: Catherine Winkworth

Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… Go to person page >