Composer

Spencer Lane

1843–1903 · Tilton, New Hampshire · United States

A Civil War veteran of the 8th New Hampshire Infantry, he studied at the New England Conservatory and taught music in upstate New York. While organist at St. James Episcopal Church in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, he disliked the tune chosen for a hymn at an evening service and wrote Penitence in its place. It was the only hymn tune he ever wrote.

Tune

1

Lived

1843–1903

Hymnals

2