Christian History Institute September 4, 1844 • Oliver Holden, "Coronation" Composer ©2007

liver Holden died on this day, September 4, 1844. His last words before he died were, "I have some beautiful airs running through my head, if I only had the strength to note them down."

The Christian world has long been blessed by one tune that he did write down when he still enjoyed his youthful vigor. That tune is named "Coronation" and is the melody to which we usually sing, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name:"

"All hail the power of Jesus' Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown Him Lord of all."

Oliver Holden was more than a musician, however. Born in Shirley, Massachusetts in 1765, he served a year as a marine, for which he received a small annual pension. He moved to Charlestown, Massachusetts with his parents in 1786. The town had recently been burned by the British and many hands were needed for rebuilding. Oliver became a carpenter. Acquiring property, he also dealt in real estate.

His musical ability was already recognized. When George Washington visited Boston in 1789, it was Holden who wrote the lyrics and music of an ode, and trained and led a choir which sang it to the victorious leader at the Old State House.

"Now in full chorus burst the song
And shout the deeds of Washington."

When the Baptists needed land for a church, Oliver gave it to them and worshipped with them. But concerned that these Baptists were too easy-going, he later constructed his own church building virtually single-handedly and then pastored this "Puritan Church" for fifteen years.

Meanwhile, Oliver opened a music store and left the real estate business. He put together and published collections of music. He also served as a state legislator and rose to prominence in the Masons. Not only did he write "Coronation" but several other hymn tunes and hymn words. One hymn adapted from his verses reads:

They who seek the throne of grace,
Find that throne in every place;
If we live a life of prayer,
God is present everywhere.

"Coronation" is said to be the earliest American hymn tune still in general use.

Bibliography:

1. Brown, Theron. Story of the Hymns and Tunes. New York: George H. Doran, 1906.
2. Ellinwood, Leonard. History of American Church Music. New York, Da Capo Press, 1970.
3. "Holden, Oliver." Dictionary of American Biography. New York, C. Scribner's sons, 1928 - 58.
4. Hughes, Charles William. American hymns old and new: notes on the hymns and biographies of the authors and composers. New York: Columbia University Press, 1980.
5. Ninde, Edward Summerfield. The story of the American hymn. New York, Cincinnati, The Abingdon Press, 1921.
6. "Oliver Holden." http://www.cyberhymnal.org
7. Routley, Erik. Hymns and the Faith. Greenwich, Connecticut: Seabury Press, 1956.
8. Various encyclopedia and internet articles.

Last updated July, 2007