Alexander Ewing

Alexander Ewing was a Scottish Anglican bishop and composer whose hymn tune contributions influenced nineteenth century church music. Born in Aberdeen Scotland, he pursued both military service and musical study before entering the ministry of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Ewing later became Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. Although he was not a prolific hymn writer, he composed the hymn tune known as Ewing, which is most often associated with the hymn text Jerusalem the Golden. The tune first appeared in the influential hymnal Hymns Ancient and Modern and became widely used in Anglican and Protestant worship. Ewing work reflects the broader nineteenth century revival of interest in congregational hymn singing and the development of new hymn tunes suited to parish worship.