Thomas O. Summers

SUMMERS, Thomas Osmond. b. Swanage, Dorset, England, 11 October 1812, d. Nashville, Tennessee, 6 May 1882. An influential and articulate American Methodist theologian, editor, historian, liturgist, teacher, and hymnist, Summers was orphaned at an early age and cared for by his Calvinist grandmother and great-aunt, who apparently encouraged his early interests in reading and self-learning.  At age seven, following their deaths, he was placed in the guardianship of three deacons of the Independent Church who taught him the catechism, selected Bible passages for memorizing, and saw that he attended church five times each Sunday, and at mid-week services. He was allowed to attend Anglican...