Oliver Holden

Oliver Holden (1765–1844) was an American composer, singing-school teacher, compiler, carpenter, and public figure associated with the early New England tradition of psalmody. Born in Shirley, Massachusetts, he later settled in Charlestown, where he worked as a carpenter and became active in musical education, publishing, civic life, and religious work.

Holden published several collections of sacred music, including The American Harmony and other tune books that circulated among churches and singing schools. His best-known tune, CORONATION, was published in 1793 and was written for Edward Perronet's “All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name.” The melody became one of the enduring tunes of American hymnody.

Although CORONATION was not composed for Charles Wesley's text, later hymnals also paired it with “Jesus! the Name High over All.” The 1905 Methodist Hymnal is one documented example. This later pairing reflects the common practice of matching common-meter texts with established tunes while preserving the distinction between the original purpose of a melody and its subsequent hymnal use.