Harrison Millard

Harrison Millard (November 27, 1830– September 10 1895) was an American composer who wrote the music to the Christian hymn "Abide with Me, 'Tis Eventide"—the words of which are by Presbyterian evangelist Martin Lowrie Hofford (1825–1888).

Early life Millard was born in Boston. At the age of about eight he made such progress in the singing school he attended that after one winter he could sing the alto part of any church song. He then joined the choir of one of Boston's leading churches. At age ten he became a member of the Handel and Haydn Society, and was the leading alto in the chorus for several years. He became a singer in the Trinity Church of Boston which at the time was known for having the best music in town. His salary was $150 per year, a sum never heard of before for someone as young as he was. At the age of 15 Millard had to fill-in for a famous tenor, Mr. Jones, who had suddenly taken ill and could not perform in the oratorio Samson, in which he had been the lead.

Europe In 1851, at the age of 21, Millard went to Europe to study for three years in Italy and other places, with the continent's best instructors. He stayed in London for two years after leaving Italy. There he sang in Louis Antoine Jullien's concerts at Exeter Hall, Surrey Gardens. He also sang in Boosey & Co.'s Verdi festival. He sang with Clara Novello, Miss Charlotte Helen Dolby, and Mr. Sims Reeves. Later he went with Catherine Hayes to perform in Ireland and Scotland. This song is referenced in Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Chapter 19 describes a night of entertainment attended by the young people of Avonlea, and the text mentions that "when the choir sang “Far Above the Gentle Daisies” Anne gazed at the ceiling as if it were frescoed with angels."

Music clubs Music clubs along the eastern seaboard were named in his honor including in Lockport, New York; Trenton, New Jersey; Newark, New Jersey, Wilmington, Delaware; and Bangor, Maine.

Personal life Millard was an active Freemason who took the thirty-second degree. He also wrote some Masonic music. They say he was a good conversationalist, and especially popular with "the ladies."