Author of "The President's Hymn; Give Thanks All Ye People," which was written in response to President Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation recommending a general day of Thanksgiving on November 26, 1863

War Date Autograph Letter Signed

(1796-1877) An Episcopal clergyman and educator, he was the grandson of Frederick Muhlenberg, a member of the First and Second Continental Congresses and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. William A. Muhlenberg is considered the father of church schools in the United States. An early exponent of the Social Gospel, he founded St. Luke's Hospital in New York City. Muhlenberg was also an early leader of the liturgical movement in Anglican Christianity. His model schools on Long Island had a significant impact on the history of American education. His interest in church music, particularly hymns, prompted his 1821 pamphlet, "A Plea for Christian Hymns," and he compiled "Church Poetry" in 1823 for his parish. That year Muhlenberg was appointed by the General Convention to its committee on psalms and hymns. Its collection contained several of Muhlenberg's compositions, including "I Would Not Live Always," "Shout the Glad Tidings and Savior," and "Who Thy Flock Art Feeding." He was also the author of "The President's Hymn; Give Thanks All Ye People," which was written in response to President Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation recommending a general day of Thanksgiving on November 26, 1863.

2 pages, 5 x 7 3/4, in ink, Autograph Letter Signed, with religious related content. "There is a growing desperation for greater freedom in the use of Hymns among the clergy." Also mentions St. James, the General Convention and more. Dated, St. Luke's Hospital, N.Y., Feb. 21/64. Signed, "Yrs. very truly, W.A. Muhlenberg." Light age toning and wear.