C. Austin Miles | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | January 7, 1868 Lakehurst, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | March 10, 1946 (aged 78) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | A. A. Payn, C. A. M. |
| Notable work | "In the Garden" |
Charles Austin Miles (January 7, 1868 – March 10, 1946) was a prolific American writer of gospel songs, who is best known for his 1912 hymn "In the Garden".
He studied at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1892, he ceased to practice as a pharmacist. His first gospel song, "List! ’Tis Jesus’ Voice", was published by the Hall-Mack Company. He worked as editor and manager at Hall-Mack for 37 years. A resident of Pitman, New Jersey, Miles died on March 10, 1946, at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia.[1] He is buried in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Sewell, NJ.
He said, "It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire".[2][3] He wrote at least 398 songs, and the music to at least 8 more.[4]
His best-known song may be "In the Garden" (1912); sometimes known by its first line, "I Come to the Garden Alone". It has been included in 210 hymnals,[5] and recorded numerous times.
- ^ "C.A. Miles, 78, Dies; Wrote 3,000 Hymns; Composer of 'In the Garden,' of Which 3,000,000 Prints Were Made, Sold It for $4", The New York Times, March 12, 1946. Accessed November 10, 2019. "Philadelphia, March 11--C. Austin Miles of Pitman, N.J., author or composer of almost 3,000 hymns, including "In the Garden," died here yesterday in Hahnemann Hospital after a long illness at the age of 78."
- ^ "Charles Austin Miles 1868–1946". nethymnal.org. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
- ^ "C. Austin Miles". hymnary.org. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
- ^ "Charles Austin Miles 1868–1946". hymntime.com. Archived from the original on December 24, 2017. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
- ^ "In the Garden". hymnary.org. Retrieved September 7, 2015.