William Henry Monk

William Henry Monk (1823–1889) was an English organist, choirmaster, composer, and hymn editor whose work had a major influence on Victorian congregational music. He held a series of London church appointments and became organist and choirmaster at St. Matthias, Stoke Newington, in 1852. He also taught music and was closely involved with the revival of choral and liturgical music in the Church of England.

Monk is especially remembered as the principal musical editor of Hymns Ancient and Modern, beginning with its landmark 1861 edition. He composed and adapted many hymn tunes, including EVENTIDE, the enduring setting for “Abide with Me.” His tune SUPPLICATION was one of the documented settings used for “Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus” in Episcopal and Lutheran hymnals. Monk’s career combined practical church musicianship, editorial work, teaching, and composition, helping to shape the sound of English-language hymn singing in the nineteenth century.