Timothy Dwight IV

1752–1817

Lyricist

American Congregationalist minister and president of Yale College who wrote approximately 300 hymns, many of which became standards in Protestant hymnody. His hymns, characterized by theological depth and classical poetic form, include "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord" and "Before Jehovah's Awful Throne." Dwight significantly shaped American hymn writing during the early national period.