David McK. Williams

WILLIAMS, David McKinley.  b. Caernarvonshire, Wales, 20 February 1887; d. Oakland, California, 13 March 1978.  One of the most dynamic 20th-century leaders of American church music, he is often identified with the music of St Bartholomew’s Church in New York City, where he was organist and choirmaster from 1920 to 1947.  Williams served on the Joint Commission on Church Music of the Episcopal Church and the Joint Commission on Revision of the Hymnal (H40).  He composed hymn tunes and descants, as well as anthems and service music.  His best known hymn tunes include MALABAR and GEORGETOWN.   Williams wrote his name as ‘David McK. Williams’, and as a result of writing the name as spoken,...