William Henry Monk

Monk began his musical career as an organist for St Peter's in Eaton Square after studying with Adams, Hamilton and Griesbach. Monk was also in service to St George's, Albemarle, St Paul's, Portman and choirmaster of King's College in London. At King's College, Monk was under the guidance of William Dyce who peaked his interest in plainchant. Monk, accordingly, wrote articles for the journal "Parish Choir" and subsequently became its editor. In 1852 he became the choirmaster and organist for St Matthias and presented daily services in which the choir would sing. Monk established a different order for the services -- the choir would lead the people; music was selected consistent with the church calendar and psalms were sung to plainchant. Simultaneously Monk was a professor of vocal music for King's College. He edited the text "Hymns Ancient and Modern" for which his melody "Eventide" (or "Abide with me") was composed. ~ Keith Johnson