Charles H. Purday Explained

Charles Henry Purday (11 January 1799 – 1885) was a Scottish composer of music for hymns.

Purday was a precentor of the Church of Scotland, and was chosen to sing at the Coronation of Queen Victoria.

He was active in supporting strong copyright protection for composers and publishers; he was a foundation member of the Music Publishers Association.

Compositions

Sacred

He wrote several hymn tunes for organ, which have been given the names:

• "Bayswater"
• "Gainsworth"
• "St Michael's"
• "Notting Hill"
• "Sandon", his most popular tune, familiar as "Lead, Kindly Light"
• "St Ulrich"

Profane

• "The Old English Gentleman"^[1]

Publications

• Purday, C, H. (ed.), Songs for the young, sacred and moral (1851)
• Purday, C. H., Crown Court Psalmody (1854)
• Purday, C. H., Church and Home Metrical Psalter and Hymnal (1860)
• Purday, C. H. and Havergal, Francis, Songs of Peace and Joy (1879)^[2]

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Old English Gentleman . IMSLP . 16 September 2022.
2. Web site: Charles H. Purday . Calvin Institute of Christian Worship . 16 September 2022.