George William Warren was born August 17, 1828 in Albany, New York. Like most great composers, he had a talent and love for music at an early age. After his early education endeavors, he attended Racine College in Wisconsin. After college he was offered the job as organist at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. He served here from 1846-1858. He was only 18 years old when he took this job. In 1858 he accepted a call as organist at St. Paul’s Church, in Albany, New York. He left here in 1860 and moved to New York to become organist at Holy Trinity Church. After ten years here, he accepted a call to St. Thomas Church in New York City to become organist and choir director. Upon his death in 1902, his mourners, which numbered thousands, believed they could find no finer organist in America, so no music was played at his funeral. This hymn was written from the heart of Daniel C. Roberts. Reverend Roberts decided that he wanted a new hymn to celebrate the 100th birthday of our country. He prayed and asked God to lead him in this endeavor. He felt inspired to write the hymn lyrics as we know them today. He had his congregation sing it for the.