See the morning sun ascending

Charles Parkin was an English-born Methodist minister, missionary writer, and hymn author whose ministry spanned both Britain and the United States during the 20th century. He was born in England in 1894 and pursued higher education at University of Oxford, where he received a strong academic foundation that would later support his work in ministry and writing.

During the years of the First World War, Parkin served in the British Army from 1916 to 1919. This period of service likely shaped his worldview and deepened his sense of calling. After the war, he eventually moved to the United States in 1923, where he entered the ministry of the Methodist Church. He was ordained in the Maine Conference, beginning a long and fruitful pastoral career.

Parkin served several congregations across the state of Maine, including churches in Brunswick, Farmington, Bangor, Portland, and Ocean Park. His ministry was marked by faithful pastoral leadership and a strong commitment to the spiritual growth of local congregations. In addition to parish work, he held a significant leadership role as superintendent of the Portland District from 1950 to 1952.

Following this period, Parkin served from 1952 to 1964 on the administrative and cultivation staff of the Board of Missions of the Methodist Church, with offices in Philadelphia and New York. In this capacity, he contributed to the broader missionary vision of the church, helping to promote and support mission work both at home and abroad.

Alongside his pastoral and administrative duties, Parkin was a prolific writer. He produced numerous hymns, poems, and articles, many of which focused on missionary themes and the global mission of the Church. His writings were widely published in the religious press and used across the United States.

One of his most recognized hymns is “See the Morning Sun Ascending,” included in The Methodist Hymnal (1966) as a hymn of adoration. This hymn reflects his deep sense of worship and reverence, calling believers to lift their hearts to God in praise at the start of a new day.

Even into retirement, Charles Parkin continued to write and contribute to Christian literature. His life and work demonstrate a deep commitment to ministry, missions, and the use of sacred music as a means of spiritual encouragement. Though not among the most widely known hymn writers, his contributions have had a meaningful and lasting impact within Methodist and broader Christian worship traditions.