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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

William Henry Monk was born in London in 1832. He was in turn choirmaster, organist and professor of vocal music at King's College, London. He was a composer and prolific hymn writer, and one of his greatest achievements was in 1861 as Editor of the new Church of England hymnbook: Hymns Ancient and Modern. This great collection marked the conversion of the Anglican Church to popular hymn singing. It was revised in 1904, and in these 43 years it sold a phenomenal 60 million copies. There is little doubt that it, and William Monk, would have significantly influenced the younger organist at St Michael's, Chester Square, Arthur Sullivan. 

Many of William's hymns are currently in use in A&M and the later English Hymnal. 

In 1861 he composed the hymn (Click)>>> Abide With Me, which remains a top favourite to this day.

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