William J. Kirkpatrick

William James Kirkpatrick (February 27, 1838 – September 20, 1921) was an American hymnwriter and music publisher. He produced and published 91 books of hymns, over half of them in partnership with John R. Sweney. He co-founded Praise Publishing Company in 1878 along with Sweney and served as president.

Early life Kirkpatrick was born February 27, 1838, in Duncannon, Pennsylvania, to Thompson and Elizabeth Kirkpatrick. He received formal music training and the family's love for music inspired him to a career in music.

Career In 1858, Kirkpatrick worked with A.S. Jenks who helped him publish his first collection of hymns, Devotional Melodies, in 1859. and served as president. Kirkpatrick and Sweney published almost 1,000 of the hymns written by Fanny Crosby.

Personal life He was married in 1861 but she died in 1878. He was married a second time in 1893 to Sara Kellogg Bourne.

Contribution to hymnody Among the many hymns that he contributed to, these are some of the most notable

“A Wonderful Savior is Jesus My Lord” “Away in a Manger” “I am Not Skilled to Understand” “Jesus Saves! (We Have Heard the Joyful Sound)” “'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” “Blessed Be The Name” “Halleluiah! Amen!” “The Comforter Has Come” “Will Your Anchor Hold” “Give Me Thy Heart” “Lord, I'm Coming Home” “Redeemed” “His Grace Aboundeth More” “Singing I Go” “O To Be Like Thee” “We Have an Anchor” “Stepping in the Light” "The Lord is in His Holy Temple"