Phillips Brooks

Phillips Brooks was an American Episcopal bishop, preacher, and hymn writer remembered for authoring the Christmas hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem. Born in Boston Massachusetts, he studied at Harvard University before preparing for ministry in the Episcopal Church. Brooks became known as a powerful and thoughtful preacher whose sermons attracted wide attention. In 1865 he traveled to the Holy Land and visited the town of Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. The experience inspired him to write the poem O Little Town of Bethlehem for the children of his congregation at Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia. The poem was later set to music by his church organist Lewis Henry Redner and quickly became a cherished Christmas carol. Brooks later served as Bishop of Massachusetts and remained influential in American church life. His hymn continues to be sung worldwide during the Christmas season.