William B. Bradbury

William B. Bradbury (1816-1868) has been credited by most authorities as the first to introduce the Sunday school song. Bradbury inherited his musical talent from his parents, who were good singers. Moving from Maine to Boston as a young man, he attended music classes conducted by Lowell Mason. When Bradbury was twenty years of age, Mason recommended him for a teaching position in Maine. He was accepted, and spent a year and a half giving private lessons during the day and teaching singing school classes at night. He then moved to New York City where he became music director of the First Baptist church. After a year’s work there, one of the most import periods of his life began. Bradbury took charge of the music at the Baptist tabernacle, New York City. It was here the he began his work with children, organizing singing classes in this and other churches. Bradbury loved children and taught them effectively. While he was teaching among the children, he would occasionally compose a song for them. Consequently, he compiled a book entitled, The Young Choir, which was published in 1841. His forte was composing music for Sunday school, and he became the author and compiler of many Sunday school books with interesting titles. Bradbury's "Golden" series include:

Golden Shower of Sunday School Melodies
The Golden Censer
Gold Chain of Sabbath School Melodies

Between 1841 and 1867 Bradbury had 59 separate collections published. Some of his best known sunday school songs include:

- He leadeth Me
- Sweet hour of prayer
- Just as I am
- Solid Rock
- Jesus loves me

See: Willim Bradbury (The Cyber Hymnal)