Howard B. Grose

Howard Benjamin Grose (1851–1939) was a distinguished Baptist minister, educator, and editor who became one of the most influential voices in the American missionary and "Christian Endeavor" movements. A graduate of the University of Rochester, Grose’s career was remarkably varied, spanning pastorates in New York and Pennsylvania, a university presidency in South Dakota, and a history professorship at the University of Chicago. However, he is best remembered for his 23-year tenure as the editor of the journal Missions, where he helped shape the global outreach priorities of the Baptist church.

Grose was deeply committed to the intersection of faith and civic responsibility, particularly regarding the massive waves of immigration entering the United States at the turn of the century. His books, such as Aliens or Americans? and The Incoming Millions (1906), were used extensively as study guides in churches to advocate for the compassionate integration and spiritual care of new immigrants. His work at the American Baptist Home Mission Society reflected his belief that the "mission field" was not just across the ocean, but on the streets of America’s growing cities.

In the world of hymnody, Grose is the author of one of the most famous "call to service" hymns ever written: "Give of your best to the Master." Composed around 1902, the hymn was specifically written for the Christian Endeavor movement, an interdenominational youth society that emphasized active service and moral discipline. The song’s stirring refrain—"Give of the strength of your youth"—became a rallying cry for young people across the globe and remains a staple in many traditional and evangelical hymnals today.

Grose’s hymns are characterized by an energetic, almost military-like focus on duty and consecration. His works, such as "There is no King but Jesus" and "Thou dost call to service," emphasize the active role of the believer in the work of the Kingdom. Like many of the writers we've explored, his music crossed significant cultural boundaries; "Give of your best to the Master" was translated into numerous languages, including Spanish ("Da lo mejor al Maestro"), Chinese, and Tagalog. He died in 1939, having spent his long life urging others to "do the thing that's next you" for the sake of the gospel.

Notable Contributions

• "Give of your best to the Master": His most enduring hymn, famously associated with youth consecration and missionary commitment.

• The Christian Endeavor Movement: A key leader and hymnal editor for this global youth organization.

• Missionary Scholarship: Authored influential texts on immigration and the socio-religious landscape of the early 1900s.

• Missions Journal: Edited the primary Baptist missionary publication for over two decades, significantly influencing denominational policy.