Hugh Stowell

For the last two months, on Sunday evenings, we have introduced a hymn of the month. This practice is so that we as a congregation can learn the hymns of the Trinity Hymnal. I am surprised by how few of them I know. Along with the hymn, those who introduce the hymn also do some research about the author of the hymn. This past month's hymn was by Hugh Stowell (1799-1865). Stowell was Oxford educated and served in the Church of England his entire life. He is perhaps most well known for his writing of children's hymns.

The hymn by Stowell that we learned was "From Every Stormy Wind That Blows" -- if you do not know it, it is well worth learning! I could find very little written by Stowell apart from his hymns. I did find one quote, and I believe it is worth citing: it reflects his view of the Scriptures:
"Here (in the Bible) is milk for babes, whilst there is manna for Angels; truth level with the mind of a peasant, truth soaring beyond the reach of a seraph."