George Washington Bethune

1805-1862

Born: March 18, 1805, New York, New York.

Died: April 27, 1862, Florence, Italy.

Bethune graduated from Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1822, and studied theology at Princeton University. In 1827 he became pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church in Rinebeck, New York. In 1830, he moved to Utica, New York; to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1834; and to Brooklyn Heights, New York, in 1850. He was offered the chancellorship of New York University, and the Provostship of the University of Pennsylvania, both of which he declined. His works include:

• The Fruits of the Spirit, 1849
• Sermons, 1847
• Lays of Love & Faith, 1847
• The British Female Poets, 1848

A. R. Van Nest edited Bethune’s Life and Letters in 1867.

Hymns:

1. Almighty Spirit, The
2. Come, Let Us Sing of Jesus
3. Full Many a Year Has Sped
4. It Is Not Death to Die
5. Farewell to Thee, Brother
6. Joy and Gladness, Joy and Gladness
7. Light of the Immortal Father’s Glory
8. O for the Happy Hour
9. O Jesus, When I Think of Thee
10. O Thou Who in Jordan Didst Bow Thy Meek Head
11. There Is No Name So Sweet on Earth
12. Tossed upon Life’s Raging Billow
13. We Come, We Come with Loud Acclaim
14. When Time Seems Short and Death Is Near