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This Epiphany hymn,
"As with Gladness Men of Old," was first published in William
Chatterton Dix's private collection, Hymns of Love and Joy (1861),
in the St Raphael's Hymnal (Bristol 1861, for St Raphael's
Church), and in Hymns Ancient & Modern (1861).
Dix (1837-1898) wrote the hymn one evening in the Epiphany of 1858 while
convalescing from a serious illness. The hymn -based upon Matthew
2:9-11 -- tells the Epiphany story. Other biblical references include:
verse 2, line 3-4; Philippians 2:10, and line 6; Exodus 25:
1 7. Dix was born and educated in Bristol and became the manager of a
marine insurance company in Glasgow. He published many of his own hymns,
and some translations from Greek. He is buried in the Parish Church at
Cheddar in Somerset.
We
are all familiar with the verses in the hymnal, but did you know there
was another verse written? I didn't until I did a little research.
In the heavenly country bright,
Need they no created light;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its
Crown,
Thou its Sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King!
Rebecca Hafner-Camp
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Pastor
Dr. Tom Tucker has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree from Auburn University at Montgomery. He has a Master's degree from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from King's College, the University of Aberdeen, in Scotland. Tom has previously served as pastor of the Milton Baptist Church in
Milton, AL Al 
