John Henry Hopkins, Jr. (October 28, 1820 – August 14, 1891) was an American clergyman and hymnist, most famous for composing the song "We Three Kings of Orient Are" in 1857. He wrote words and music to his most famous hymn, "We Three Kings", as part of a Christmas pageant for his nephews and nieces. It is suggested to have been written in 1857 but did not appear in print until his Carols, Hymns and Song in 1863. "We Three Kings", also known as "We Three Kings of Orient Are" or "The Quest of the Magi", is a Christmas carol written by the Reverend John Henry Hopkins, Jr., who wrote both the lyrics and the music. It is suggested to have been written in 1857 but did not appear in print until his Carols, Hymns and Song in 1863. John Henry Hopkins, Jr., then an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church, was instrumental in organizing an elaborate holiday pageant (which featured this hymn) for the students of the General Theological Seminary in New York City in 1857 while serving as the seminary's music director.John Henry Hopkins, Jr. (October 28, 1820 – August 14, 1891) was an American clergyman and hymnist, most famous for composing the song.