John Ellerton

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The Rev. John Ellerton, December 16, 1826 - June 15, 1893, was a hymn writer and hymnologist.

1 Life
2 Service
3 Published Works
4 External links
5 References

[edit] Life

Born in Clerkenwell, Middlesex, England, son of George Ellerton, head of an Evangelical family. He was educated at King William's College on the Isle of Man. While attending Trinity College, Cambridge, (B.A. 1849; M.A. 1854), he came under the influence of Frederick D. Maurice. Died in Torquay, Devon, England.

[edit] Service

Taking orders in 1850, he was Curate of Easebourne, Sussex. In 1852, he was in Brighton, and Lecturer of St. Peter's, Brighton. In 1860, he became chaplain for Lord Crewe and vicar of Crewe Green, about thirty miles southeast of Liverpool. He became chairman of the education committee at the Mechanics Institute for the Railway Company. Reorganizing the Institute, he made it one of the most successful in England. He taught classes in English and Bible History. He also organized one of the first Choral Associations of the Midlands. In 1872 he became Rector of Hinstock. In 1876, he was transferred to Barnes, Surrey, a west suburb of London. The large population broke him down and he had to go abroad for a year. Chaplain at Pegli from 1884-1885. After returning, he took a smaller parish in White Roding in 1886, his last. During his final illness, he was given the honorary title of Canon of St. Albans Cathedral.

[edit] Published Works

He was best known as a hymnologist, editor, hymn-writer and translator. He published Hymns for Schools and Bible Classes in Brighton in 1859. Co-editor with Bishop How and others of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) Church Hymns, 1871. His Notes and Illustrations of Church Hymns were published in the folio edition of 1881. Ellerton wrote or translated eighty six or more hymns.

The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended.
Saviour, again to thy dear name we raise
This is the day of light
Behold us, Lord, a little space
God the Almighty one! King who ordainest (stanzas 1&2 by Henry F. Chorley, 3-5 by Ellerton)
Now the laborer's task is o'er.
Week-day Worship