Hymn Story: Rise Up, O Men of God

William Pierson Merrill wrote “Rise up, O Men of God!” in 1911.

Merrill was born on January 10, 1867 in Orange, New Jersey. He was ordained in 1890 and attended seminary working his way up to a Doctor of Divinity in 1904. Throughout this time he served several churches and met his wife at one of them.  He married Clara Helmer. He died on June 19, 1954 in New York City.

The tune “Festal song” was composed by William H. Walter (1825-1893).