Hodges, Edward

1796-1867

English church organist and composer, who spent most of his life in America, where his influence upon organ music is still felt. He was born in Bristol, England; was organist of St. James and St. Nicholas Churches of Bristol and of the Clifton Church at various times. The degree of Doctor of Music was conferred on him at Cambridge in 1825. He came to America in 1838 and became organist at Toronto; the next year he was organist at St. John's Episcopal Chapel of New  York City, and of Trinity Church in 1846. He returned to England in 1863, and died at Clifton in 1867. Hodges composed a Morning and Evening Service, two anthems and other church music; was a contributor to the Quarterly Musical Magazine and to the Musical World; and published an essay on the Cultivation of Church Music. Hodges made improvements in the mechanism of the organ. The new organ in St. James' Church was remodeled under his direction and contained the first C C manual and C C C pedal made in England.