Ambrose N. Blatchford

Blatchford, Ambrose Nichols, B.A., born at Plymouth, 1842, and educated for the Unitarian Ministry at Manchester New College, London. He also graduated at the London University as B.A. In 1866, he became junior colleague to the late Rev. William James, Minister of Lewin's Mead Meeting, Bristol, and on the death of Mr. James, in 1876, the sole pastor. Mr. Blatchford's hymns were written for the Sunday School anniversary services at Lewin's Mead Meeting, on the dates given below, and were adapted to existing melodies. They were first printed as fly-leaves and include:—
1. A gladsome hymn of praise we sing. Praise. 1876.
2. Awake to the duty, prepare for the strife. Duty. 1878.
3. Lord, without Thy constant blessing. Divine Help. 1875.
4. Night clouds around us silently are stealing. Evening. 1878.
5. O Lord of Life, for all Thy care. Praise. 1875.
6. O'er the wide and restless ocean. Life & Hope. 1878.
7. Once more the shadows fall. Evening. 1880.
8. Softly the silent night. Evening. 1875.
Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 were first published in W. B. Stevenson's School Hymnal, 1880, and Nos. 3, 7. and 8 in the Sunday School Hymn Book of the Sunday School Association, Lond., 1881.

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

====================

Blatchford, Ambrose Nichols, p. 145, i. Since 1866 Minister of Lewin's Mead, Bristol. His Songs of Praise for School and Church, a collection of 56 hymns, was published in 1897. Additional hymns by him are:—
1. On weary hearts descending. Close of School Anniversary.
2. Silent and soft, the first faint gleam of day. Christmas.

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)