Edwin Hodder

Edwin Hodder was born on December 13, 1837, at Staines, Middlesex, England. In 1856, he traveled to New Zealand, an experience that later influenced his early literary work. After returning to England, he entered the Civil Service in 1861, where he served for many years until his retirement in 1897. He spent his later years at Henfield, Sussex, where he died on March 1, 1904.

Hodder was a versatile writer, producing biographical, devotional, and reflective works throughout his life. Among his earliest publications was Memories of New Zealand Life in 1862, while one of his later works was The Life of a Century in 1900. His writings reveal a thoughtful and reflective mind, often focused on spiritual and moral themes.

He is especially remembered for his contributions to hymnody through The New Sunday School Hymn Book, first published in 1863, with an enlarged edition following in 1868. Hodder contributed 27 hymns to this collection, each clearly identified with his name. Many of these hymns were written for children and educational settings, and nearly half were later included in other hymnals such as the Baptist Sunday School Hymn Book (1880) and the Sunday School Union Voice of Praise (1886).

Among his notable hymns are “Father, give us now Thy blessing,” “Lord, we bring our work to Thee,” “The night was wild, and stormy winds,” “The Saviour loves all children,” and “Thy Word is like a garden, Lord.” These hymns reflect a strong emphasis on Christian instruction, Scripture, and devotion, particularly suited for younger audiences.

Edwin Hodder’s legacy lies in his faithful contribution to children’s hymnody and Christian education. Through his hymns and writings, he helped shape the spiritual formation of many young believers, leaving a lasting mark on the teaching ministry of the Church.