Karl Pomeroy Harrington

Karl Pomeroy Harrington (1861–1953) was an American classicist, professor, organist, hymnologist, hymnal editor, and composer. Born at Great Falls, now Somersworth, New Hampshire, on June 13, 1861, he grew up in a family closely connected with Wesleyan University. He graduated from Wesleyan in 1882 and received the A.M. there in 1885. His advanced study included work at the University of Berlin and Yale, and his academic career centered on Latin language and literature.

Harrington taught at several institutions, including the University of North Carolina and the University of Maine, before returning to Wesleyan in 1905. He published widely as a Latin scholar and teacher while maintaining a substantial parallel life in church music. Wesleyan's archival record describes him as an accomplished musician, composer, and hymnologist. He served for many years as organist and choir director at First Methodist Church in Middletown, Connecticut, and participated in Methodist hymnal work.

As music editor of the 1905 Methodist Hymnal, Harrington helped shape a major denominational collection. His best-known hymn tune is CHRISTMAS SONG, written in 1904 for Josiah Gilbert Holland's Christmas poem “There's a Song in the Air.” The pairing appeared in the 1905 Methodist Hymnal and subsequently circulated widely in American hymnals. Harrington also edited and contributed to other hymn collections while continuing his academic work. He died in Berkeley, California, on November 14, 1953. His career is notable for the unusual combination of classical scholarship, Methodist church musicianship, hymnal editing, and composition.