Holden, Oliver

1765-1834

Oliver Holden is best known as the composer of the hymn, Coronation, which was often sung during the United States Civil War as a battle hymn. It was written as a psalm of praise at the birth of his first child. Holden was born in Shirley, Mass. He left his trade, that of a carpenter, to become a singer and composer. He published and edited five volumes of music, mostly psalm tunes.