Cecil Frances Alexander
1889– · Ireland · Romantic
Cecil Frances Alexander (1818-1895) was an Irish hymnwriter and poet who made significant contributions to Christian hymnody during the nineteenth century. As the wife of Archbishop William Alexander of Armagh, she composed numerous hymns distinguished by their clarity, accessibility, and strong doctrinal content, making complex theological concepts comprehensible to children and lay believers. Her most celebrated works include "All Things Bright and Beautiful" and "There Is a Green Hill Far Away," which remain widely sung in Protestant churches today. Alexander's hymns exemplified the Anglican tradition of her era, emphasizing scriptural meditation and moral instruction. Her prolific output and enduring popularity established her as one of the most influential hymnwriters of the Victorian period, and her works continue to be sung in churches worldwide.
Hymn Texts (13)
- I Bind Unto Myself Today (St. Patrick's Breastplate)
- O Sacred Head Now Wounded
- O Sacred Head Now Wounded
- O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
- Once In Royal David's City
- There is a Green Hill Far Away
- Wondrous King All-Glorious
- Isaiah, Mighty Seer in Days of Old
- With Trembling Awe the Chosen Three
- Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult
- Jesus Calls Us o'er the Tumult
- Jesus, Loving to the End
- Break Now the Bread of Life