Today’s Leader of Faith
GEORGE W. WARREN
Home Call : 17 March 1902
Lyric writer , Composer, Musician.
George W. Warren (1828–1902) was an American organist and composer best known for his hymn tune “National Hymn”, which is used for ‘God of Our Fathers’ which is sung in churches as well as patriotic events. He was a prominent church musician in New York and played a significant role in the development of American sacred music. He served as an organist at Episcopal churches in New York, including St. Thomas Church and St. Bartholomew’s Church. His hymn tunes and service music were compiled in Warren’s Hymns and Tunes as Sung in St. Thomas Church (1888). He mainly composed anthems and liturgical service music.
Warren was born on August 17, 1828, in Albany, New York. Little is recorded about his early childhood, but he showed an interest in music from a young age. He was largely self-taught in music. Despite not receiving formal conservatory training, he became a skilled organist and composer through personal study and experience. His talent earned him recognition in church music circles, leading to prominent organist positions in New York City.
Warren was known for incorporating grandeur and a sense of national pride into his compositions, making his works popular in church services. His most famous tune is “National Hymn,” composed for God of Our Fathers, a patriotic hymn written for the U.S. centennial in 1876. He played a role in advancing church music and organ playing in America, mentoring other musicians and advocating for high musical standards in worship. He served as an organist for over 30 years at St. Thomas Church, New York, shaping Episcopal church music in America. Additionally, he composed 34 other hymns which are used as church music worldwide.
Warren passed away on in New York City at the age of 73. Though largely self-taught, Warren set a high standard for church organists and composers in his era.