Vicar Earle Copes
1921 - 2014
United Methodist Church
Biography
Vicar Earle Copes (1921–2014) was an American Methodist minister, organist, composer, teacher, editor, and church-music leader. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he earned a B.A. from Davidson College in 1942, then studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York, receiving the Master of Sacred Music in 1944 and the Bachelor of Divinity in 1945. An ordained Methodist elder, he combined ministerial formation with a professional vocation in worship and music.
Copes served as minister of music at Highland Park Methodist Church in Dallas from 1946 to 1949 and later taught organ and church music in Methodist-related colleges. From 1958 to 1967 he worked with the Methodist General Board of Education and edited the denominational periodical Music Ministry, using those roles to advocate stronger musical standards, wider repertory, and serious attention to hymnody. He also served in academic and parish appointments and performed organ recitals in many parts of the United States.
His compositions include hymn tunes, anthems, organ music, and arrangements. Among his best-known tunes are VICAR, composed in 1963 for Georgia Harkness’s “Hope of the World,” and KINGDOM, written for Louis F. Benson’s communion hymn. Copes also contributed to Methodist hymnal work and promoted Wesleyan and ecumenical hymnody. His career illustrates the twentieth-century Methodist effort to unite theological worship, congregational song, professional musicianship, and practical church use.
Copes served as minister of music at Highland Park Methodist Church in Dallas from 1946 to 1949 and later taught organ and church music in Methodist-related colleges. From 1958 to 1967 he worked with the Methodist General Board of Education and edited the denominational periodical Music Ministry, using those roles to advocate stronger musical standards, wider repertory, and serious attention to hymnody. He also served in academic and parish appointments and performed organ recitals in many parts of the United States.
His compositions include hymn tunes, anthems, organ music, and arrangements. Among his best-known tunes are VICAR, composed in 1963 for Georgia Harkness’s “Hope of the World,” and KINGDOM, written for Louis F. Benson’s communion hymn. Copes also contributed to Methodist hymnal work and promoted Wesleyan and ecumenical hymnody. His career illustrates the twentieth-century Methodist effort to unite theological worship, congregational song, professional musicianship, and practical church use.
Hymns by Vicar Earle Copes
For the Bread Which You Have Broken
Role: Composer
Hope of the World
Role: Composer