Alexander B. McLeod

Alexander B. McLeod was a hymn writer associated with nineteenth century English language hymnody. Documented historical information about his personal life, including birth and death dates, nationality, ministerial positions, or educational background, is limited in surviving hymnological records. His recognition rests primarily upon his contribution as a hymn text author rather than through detailed biographical documentation.

McLeod is credited with authorship of several hymn texts that circulated in evangelical hymn collections. His writings reflect the doctrinal emphasis typical of nineteenth century Protestant hymnody, particularly themes centered upon the atoning work of Christ, personal salvation, and devotional reflection on redemption. His texts appeared in hymnals that preserved the tradition of gospel oriented congregational singing during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Among hymns attributed to McLeod is “Upon the Cross He Bled,” a text that reflects the theological focus on the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and its redemptive significance within evangelical worship traditions. The hymn demonstrates stylistic characteristics common to gospel hymnody of the period, including direct doctrinal expression, devotional tone, and suitability for congregational singing. The continued inclusion of his hymn texts in hymn collections has sustained his presence in hymnological reference works despite the scarcity of detailed personal historical data.

McLeod’s work contributes to the broader corpus of English language evangelical hymnody, which developed during a period marked by increased publication of congregational song collections and revivalist worship practices. His hymn texts align with the theological and literary patterns found in the works of other gospel hymn writers who emphasized accessible language, scriptural themes, and strong doctrinal messaging.

Although extant archival sources provide only limited information regarding McLeod’s personal biography, hymnological catalogues and hymn text databases preserve his authorship and establish his historical role within the development of Protestant hymn literature.