At Even, Ere the Sun Was Set

Henry Twells (1823–1900) was a distinguished clergyman and educator in the Church of England, recognized for his significant contributions to both the academic and spiritual life of the Victorian era. Educated at St. Peter’s College, Cambridge, Twells spent a large portion of his career in the field of education, serving as the Head Master of Godolphin School in Hammersmith for fourteen years. Later in life, he transitioned into more formal ecclesiastical roles, eventually being named an Honorary Canon of Peterborough Cathedral. His legacy is defined by a scholarly yet deeply compassionate approach to ministry.

Twells is immortalized in the world of hymnody primarily through one masterpiece: "At even, ere the sun was set." Written in 1868 for the appendix of the first edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern, this evening hymn has become a staple of Anglican worship. It is celebrated for its evocative imagery of the sick and weary gathering around Jesus at the end of the day, reflecting the biblical account of Christ healing the multitudes at sunset. The hymn’s enduring popularity lies in its gentle, rhythmic structure and its ability to offer comfort to those burdened by the "toils of the day."

Beyond his most famous work, Twells was a frequent contributor to supplemental collections of Hymns Ancient & Modern. His writing often explored themes of divine mercy and the responsibility of the Christian life. Notable examples include "Not for our sins alone," a plea for mercy that looks beyond individual transgressions to the broader needs of humanity, and "Spirit of Truth and Might," which focuses on the "Responsibility of Speech"—a unique subject in hymnody that emphasizes the moral weight of our words.

In his later years, Twells retired to Bournemouth, where he continued to write and compile verse. His posthumous collection, Hymns and other Stray Verses (1901), revealed the depth of his poetic sensitivity. Whether through his work as a "teacher of boys" or his role as a "composer of songs," Twells remained dedicated to the idea that faith should be both intellectually sound and emotionally accessible. He died in 1900, leaving behind a body of work that continues to provide a "light" for the evening hours of congregational worship.