author
Theron Brown
1832–1914
A Baptist minister turned longtime magazine editor, this prolific writer moved from the pulpit to the page and spent decades helping shape religious and juvenile literature. He is especially remembered for books on hymns and hymn tunes, along with stories for younger readers.
1 Audiobook
The Story of the Hymns and Tunes
by Hezekiah Butterworth, Theron Brown
About the author
Born in Willimantic, Connecticut, in 1832, Theron Brown studied at Yale and then prepared for the Baptist ministry at Hartford Theological Seminary and Newton Theological Institution. He served as a pastor in Massachusetts before vocal trouble pushed him away from regular preaching and toward literary work.
That change led to the most enduring part of his career. Brown became a contributor and editor for The Youth's Companion for more than 40 years, and he also worked with the Congregationalist. Alongside journalism and editorial work, he wrote widely, producing fiction, religious books, and historical writing.
Today he is best known for works such as The Story of the Hymns and Tunes, which helped introduce generations of readers to the background of well-loved hymns. His career joined ministry, publishing, and popular education in a way that made serious subjects feel approachable to ordinary readers.