A. R. W.

In the highly regarded hymnal The Baptist Praise Book, prepared for congregational use and published in New York in 1871, the initials "A. R. W." were used to sign the hymn contributions of the Reverend Aaron Robarts Wolfe.

Aaron Robarts Wolfe was an American Presbyterian minister and educator, born in Mendham, New Jersey, in 1821. He graduated from Williams College in 1844 and completed his theological studies at Union Theological Seminary in New York in 1851. Following his ordination, he combined pastoral ministry with a passion for education, famously establishing and directing a highly successful school for young ladies in Montclair, New Jersey, from 1859 to 1890.

Wolfe was a deeply devout writer who contributed several fine pieces of lyric verse to nineteenth-century American collections. When contributing to the 1871 Baptist Praise Book, he signed his hymns with the simple initials "A. R. W."

Among his most enduring works published under this signature is the beloved assurance hymn "Complete in Thee! No work of mine," which beautifully emphasizes the believer's standing through the grace and finished work of Christ. Another notable piece of his from the same collection is "A parting hymn we sing," which became a favored choice for communion or concluding services in both Baptist and Presbyterian congregations. His quiet, theological depth and educational influence marked him as a respected figure in late nineteenth-century American hymnody until his death in 1902.

To hear how one of his most famous signed hymns sounds in a worship setting, you can listen to this Complete in Thee vocal performance, which features the traditional lyrics and musical arrangement.