Story Behind O Happy Day, That Fixed My Choice

 Composer: Philip Doddridge

 

 When Monica Doddridge gave birth to Philip (1702 -1751, England), she had been through the pain of labor no less than 20 times. 18 of her children had died in infancy. Phillip was delivered as though stillborn, and so the midwife set him aside to attend to his mother. And then the baby cried out. At that moment Monica determined that young Philip's life had been saved for a purpose. She spent the next few years doing her best to teach her frail son the Scriptures.

At a young age, Philip Doddridge was orphaned. An excerpt from his diary tells that his faith in God remained strong: God is an immortal Father. My soul rejoices in Him. He hath hitherto helped me and provided for me; may it be my study to approve myself a more affectionate, dutiful and grateful child. With no family and no  money for formal training, friends encouraged him to give up his dream of entering the ministry. Doddridge took the matter to prayer and God miraculously provided funds.

Doddridge found his place among the clergy of the English Dissenters. He was pastor of an independent congregation and taught at a seminary for dissenting ministers. More than 200 years later, this same college (now under another name) includes a large collection of his manuscripts in the library. Doddridge wrote more than 50 hymns, including the very popular O Happy Day..

O Happy Day has survived the centuries in various formats, with different melodies, and in both 3/4 and 4/4 time. The song has been recorded by several famous artists, including Joan Baez and the Hawkins Singers. It has been a part of many movies, including The Nutty Professor II, and Sister Act II. It has been sung by church and school choirs, at baptismal, confirmations, Easter and Christmas celebrations. O Happy Day is a timeless song that brings inspiration and joy to the hearts of both doubters and believers.
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