Hodges, Edward, 1796-1867

Edward Hodges was born on July 20, 1796, in Bristol, England. After the death of his father in 1811, he assumed responsibility for the family stationary business, but found himself increasingly drawn toward music. In May, 1825, he entered Sydney Sussex College of Cambridge, and on July 3, 1825, a piece he composed for three choirs, orchestra, and organ earned him the prestigious degree Mus. Doc. For ten years, he attempted to secure an organist position at an English cathedral, but a "cathedral-bred" competitor was always awarded the position despite his pedigree. In 1838, he left England for a position at St. James' Cathedral in Toronto, Canada. In January, 1839, he moved to New York and became the organist and choirmaster of Trinity Church, a position he held until 1858. Hodges was the first American church musician to establish an English cathedral music program in the United States. Late in life he returned to Bristol, where he died on September 1, 1867.

From the description of The correspondence, diaries, memorial booklets, music, photographs, portrait and musical publications of Edward Hodges, the organist of Trinity Church, New York City, 1839-1858. (Organ Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 527796725