Henry W. Baker
1821–1877 · England · Classical
Vicar of Monkland and chairman of the committee that produced Hymns Ancient and Modern; author of 'The King of Love My Shepherd Is'.
Life
Sir Henry Williams Baker was born in London in 1821, the son of a vice-admiral, and educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. He took holy orders in 1844 and in 1851 became vicar of Monkland near Leominster, Herefordshire, where he remained for the rest of his life. In 1859 he succeeded his father as third baronet. He died at Monkland in 1877.
As a Hymn Writer
Baker was the leading figure behind Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861), the most influential English hymnal of the 19th century, chairing its committee and contributing original hymns and translations. His best-known hymn, 'The King of Love My Shepherd Is', recasts Psalm 23 in terms of Christ and the Sacraments. His texts are simple and devotional, with a sacramental sensibility shaped by the Oxford Movement.
In The Lutheran Hymnal and Lutheran Service Book (7)
- Redeemed, Restored, Forgiven
- Of the Father's Love Begotten
- O Perfect Life of Love
- Sweet Flowerets of the Martyr Band
- Out of the Deep I Call
- The King of Love My Shepherd Is
- What Our Father Does Is Well
Sources: Wikipedia, 'Henry Williams Baker'.