Away in the Manger

Celebrating a fine Christmas Carol along with its author, William James Kirkpatrick (February 27, 1838 – September 20, 1921), who was born in Ireland to a schoolteacher and musician. The family immigrated to Philadelphia in 1840. William was exposed to and given formal training in music at a very young age. In 1854, he moved to Philadelphia to study music and carpentry. It was here that he studied vocal music under Professor T. Bishop. Kirkpatrick was a versatile musician playing the cello, fife, flute, organ, and violin. He joined the Harmonia and the Haydn Sacred Music Societies where he was exposed to many great composers. In 1855, he became involved in the Wharton Street Methodist Episcopal Church serving the choir with his musical talent and teaching Sunday school.

Beginning in 1858, Kirkpatrick began working with A.S. Jenks who helped him publish his first collection of hymns, Devotional Melodies, in 1859. His involvement with the Harmonia Society introduced him to another man, Dr. Leopold Meignen, under whose tutelage he devoted himself primarily to the study of music focusing on theory and composition. Over the next 15 years, Kirkpatrick was elected lead organist for the Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church, studied the pipe organ, continued in vocal lessons, and began publishing more and more hymns. It was also during this time that he was introduced to John R. Sweeney. They soon became partners in their musical careers.

Between 1880 and 1897, Sweeney and Kirkpatrick published 49 major books. It was also during this time that Kirkpatrick was given command over all of the music at Grace Methodist Episcopal church. Over the years he published close to 100 major works and many annual works such as anthems for Easter, Christmas, and children’s choirs.

Kirkpatrick participated in many of the Camp meetings the Methodist churches held. He often led the music portion of the meeting and enlisted the help of soloists and other musicians to perform for the attenders (William J. Kirkpatrick - Wikipedia). Among the many hymns that he contributed to, these are some of my favorites...

“A Wonderful Savior is Jesus My Lord”
“Jesus Saves! (We Have Heard the Joyful Sound)”
“Lead Me to Calvary”
“My Faith has Found a Resting Place”
“'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”
“Blessed Be Thy Name”
“Halleluiah! Amen!”
“Lord, I’m Coming Home”
“Redeemed”
“Singing I Go”
“O To Be Like Thee”
“He Hideth My Soul”
“Stepping in the Light”

And he is also credited with the beloved Christmas Carol, "Away in the Manger."..


Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.

 

With a foot of snow here in the mountains of Virginia, a wonderful setting for a Christmas Carol!