| Mary Anna Baker | |
| Birth Name: | Mary Eddy Baker |
| Birth Date: | 1832 9, mf=yes |
| Birth Place: | Orwell, New York, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Maywood, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting Place: | Forest_Home_Cemetery, Forest Park, Illinois, U.S. |
| Pseudonym: | Mary Anna Baker |
Mary Anna Baker (16 September 1832–29 September 1925) was an American composer and singer. She was an active member of a Baptist congregation. She is known for her temperance songs.[1]
"Master the Tempest is Raging" was composed by Baker and H. R. Palmer. In 1874 Baker was commissioned by Dr. Palmer to compose a song related to the biblical verses about "Jesus Stilling the Tempest".[2]
Having recently lost her brother to tuberculosis,[3] Mary used her experience of frustration and reconciliation as inspiration to compose the words of the hymn.
As related to Ira D. Sankey:[4]
Baker and Palmer's hymn enjoyed some moderate appeal amongst religious schools and churches. Almost two decades later Baker reflected on a new political connection for her composition:
During the 20th century, the hymn gained lasting popularity, appearing in more than 254 hymnals to date.[5]
Among the main hymns she composed are:[6]