Daniel March

Daniel March (1816–1909) was an American Congregational minister and hymn writer, recognized for his contributions to 19th-century American hymnody. Born on July 21, 1816, March devoted his life to pastoral ministry and theological study, earning the title of Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) for his scholarly and ministerial work. In addition to his hymns, he authored devotional works including Night Scenes in the Bible, which reflected his deep engagement with Scripture and Christian teaching.

March is best remembered for his hymn “Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying”, composed in 1863. The inspiration for this hymn came spontaneously, following a sermon he was preparing to deliver at Clinton Street Church to the Philadelphia Christian Association, based on Isaiah 6:8. The hymn reflects March’s concern for missions and Christian service, calling the faithful to respond to Christ’s summons with readiness and obedience. Its powerful, rhythmic structure allowed it to be widely adopted in hymnals of the period, appearing in the American Methodist Episcopal Hymnal (1878), Sankey’s Sacred Songs & Solos (1878), and the Scottish Hymnal (1884), among others. March himself preferred the original text and did not approve of later interpolations that appeared in some publications.

Throughout his life, March maintained a careful balance between pastoral work and literary output, contributing both spiritually enriching sermons and practical guidance for Christian living. His hymns, though few in number, demonstrate clarity, devotional depth, and a firm grounding in Scripture, qualities that allowed them to endure in the worship practices of various denominations. March passed away in 1909, leaving behind a legacy of faithfulness in ministry and a hymn that continues to inspire service and devotion among Christians worldwide.