Organist, composer and writer Edward Hodges was born in Bristol, England in 1796 and acquired a MusD from Cambridge in 1825. After a very brief tenure as organist at St. James's Cathedral in Toronto, Hodges accepted in 1839 a similar position at Trinity Church in New York City. At Trinity Parish, he was successful in establishing an English cathedral-style music program--an approach to church music which had far-reaching consequences and continues to be in evidence at mainline Protestant churches in this country to the present day. His musical compositions are devoted almost exclusively to the church, as are his writings on the study and performance of music. As a collector, Hodges evidenced an interest in antiquarian music materials that was unrivalled by any of his contemporaries in this country at the time. In addition to his standing as an important 19th-century church musician and composer, Hodges' remarkable music collection warrants his being accorded an important place in the history of music in America.
Hodges Family Chronology
1796 July 20Edward Hodges is born in Bristol, England.1818Edward marries Margaret Robinson.1823Daughter, Faustina Hasse Hodges, is born.1825Edward Hodges receives Doctor of Music degree from Cambridge University.1830Son, John Sebastian Bach Hodges, is born.1835Edward is unsuccessful in obtaining positions at Gloucester, Exeter, Hereford Cathedrals and St. George's Chapel, Windsor. Margaret Hodges dies.1838Edward begins brief tenure as organist at St. James Cathedral, Toronto.1839Edward accepts position as organist of Trinity Church, New York City.1842Edward acts as pianist and organist for newly formed New York Philharmonic.1846Edward composes Morning Service for consecration of new Trinity Church building, and designs Erben organ.1852Faustina is professor of organ, piano, and singing at the Troy Female Seminary.1854Edward suffers paralysis attack; John Sebastian Bach Hodges deputizes at Trinity.1859Edward resigns post at Trinity Church and goes to England.1861Edward returns to New York. Sarah Moore, second wife, dies.1864Trinity Collection of Church Music is published.1867 Sept. 1Edward dies in England.1895 Feb. 4Faustina dies at Philadelphia.1896Edward Hodges, by Faustina Hasse Hodges, is published.1915 May 1John Sebastian Bach Hodges dies at Baltimore.From the guide to the Hodges Family Collection, circa 1790-circa 1909, (Music Division Library of Congress)