[Closer, dear Lord, to thee] (Barnes)

Composer: F. D. Barnes

Barnes, Franklin D. (Barre, Vermont, 1837--June 5, 1916, Worcester, Massachusetts). When 12, his family moved to Colbrook, Mass. There, in addition to a public school education, he became proficient on the violin. In 1858, he settled in Worcester, Mass. After visiting several different churches, he was baptized in a stream at Lincoln Square in January, 1859, through the ice, after which he walked a half mile with the minister before they could change out of their wet clothing. For more than forty years, he served the Advent Christian Church in Worcester as deacon and song-leader. He was superintendent of their Sunday School from 1875 to 1900. In addition to his musical talent, he was also a successful artist. He composed 70 or more hymns… Go to person page >