Bliss, Philip Paul

American, 1838–1876. Born in poor circumstances in Pennsylvania, he left home at age eleven to do farm and timber work, gaining what education he could. At age twelve he joined the Baptist church, later affiliating with both the Methodists and the Congregationalists. For many years he worked as an itinerant musician, traveling by horse with his melodeon to teach singing. He traveled as a singing evangelist with the famous preacher Dwight L. Moody, and he published at least ten hymn collections, some of which became very popular. He and his wife were among 92 fatalities in a train accident known as “the Ashtabula Horror.” Among his belongings was found the text for “I Will Sing of My Redeemer.” James McGranahan set these words to music in honor of Bliss. This tune is well known among Latter-day Saints today as the setting for “O My Father” (no. 292).

More Holiness Give Me, 131 (Text and music)
Should You Feel Inclined to Censure, 235 (Music)
Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy, 335 (Text and music)