Author of “Gentle Mary laid her Child” – born

ON THIS DATE

Joseph Simpson Cook was born 12/4/1859 in County Durham, England.  He emigrated as a youth to Canada where he was educated at the Wesleyan College, McGill University, Montréal.  He was an ordained Methodist minister and later served in the United Church of Canada.  Of the songs he wrote “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” (1919) is the best known.  Cook died 5/27/1933 in Toronto, Canada.

 

Gentle Mary laid her Child Lowly in a manger; There He lay, the undefiled, To the world a Stranger.

Such a Babe in such a place, Can he be the saviour? Ask the saved of all the race Who have found His favour.

Angels sang about His birth, Wise men sought and found Him; Heaven’s star shone brightly forth Glory all around Him.

Shepherds saw the wondrous sight, Heard the angels singing; All the plains were lit that night, All the hills were ringing.

Gentle Mary laid her Child Lowly in a manger; He is still the undefiled, But no more a Stranger.

Son of God of humble birth, Beautiful the story; Praise His Name in all the earth, Hail! the King of Glory!

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Joseph Simpson Cook – birth, Dec. 4, 1859

Gentle Mary laid her Child lowly in a manger;
There He lay, the undefiled, to the world a Stranger:
Such a Babe in such a place, can He be the Savior?
Ask the saved of all the race who have found His favor.

Angels sang about His birth; wise men sought and found Him;
Heaven’s star shone brightly forth, glory all around Him:
Shepherds saw the wondrous sight, heard the angels singing;
All the plains were lit that night, all the hills were ringing.

Gentle Mary laid her Child lowly in a manger;
He is still the undefiled, but no more a stranger:
Son of God, of humble birth, beautiful the story;
Praise His Name in all the earth, hail the King of glory!

Joseph Simpson Cook was born this date, 12/4/1859, at Durham County, England.  He was a Methodist who emigrated as a youth to Canada.  Cook received his education at Wesleyan College, McGill University, in Montreal.  He later served in the United Church of Canada.  He penned “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” in 1919.  He died 5/27/1933, at Toronto, Canada.

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