Gordon Archbold Slater
1896 - 1979
Church of England
Biography
Gordon Archbold Slater (1896–1979) was an English organist, composer, conductor, and cathedral musician. Born in Harrogate, Yorkshire, he served in the British Army in France during the First World War before beginning a long career in church music. From 1919 to 1927 he was organist of St Botolph's Parish Church in Boston, Lincolnshire, and also conducted the Boston Choral Society.
Slater later served at Leicester Cathedral and, from 1930 until 1966, as organist and choirmaster of Lincoln Cathedral. He was also active as a conductor, teacher, and organ recitalist and wrote music for organ, piano, choir, and congregational worship. He was appointed OBE in 1974.
His best-known hymn tune is ST. BOTOLPH, first published in Songs of Praise for Boys and Girls in 1930 and named for the Lincolnshire church where he had served. Although not composed for Charles Wesley's Communion hymn, ST. BOTOLPH was later paired with “O Thou Who This Mysterious Bread” in Methodist hymnals, including Hymns and Songs and Hymns and Psalms.
Slater later served at Leicester Cathedral and, from 1930 until 1966, as organist and choirmaster of Lincoln Cathedral. He was also active as a conductor, teacher, and organ recitalist and wrote music for organ, piano, choir, and congregational worship. He was appointed OBE in 1974.
His best-known hymn tune is ST. BOTOLPH, first published in Songs of Praise for Boys and Girls in 1930 and named for the Lincolnshire church where he had served. Although not composed for Charles Wesley's Communion hymn, ST. BOTOLPH was later paired with “O Thou Who This Mysterious Bread” in Methodist hymnals, including Hymns and Songs and Hymns and Psalms.
Hymns by Gordon Archbold Slater
O Thou Who This Mysterious Bread
Role: Composer