This week in Christian history: Baylor integrates, John Calvin flees Paris, ‘Rock of Ages’ hymn writer born

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, November 01, 2020

‘Rock of Ages’ hymn writer born — November 4, 1740

This week marks the anniversary of when English clergyman Augustus Toplady, author of the famous hymn “Rock of Ages,” was born in Farnham, Surrey.

The son of a British army officer, Toplady had a born-again experience as a teenager while visiting Ireland, eventually being ordained in the Church of England in 1762.

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“Rock of Ages” was first published in its entirety as part of Toplady’s 1776 book, Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Worship.

“God was pleased to use him to write a hymn that would so powerfully communicate the gospel and encourage the saints that his name and story have been preserved to this day,” wrote author and blogger Tim Challies in 2013.

“For generations it has remained a solid testimony to the powerful sacrifice of our Savior and a great encouragement to saints around the world.”