Charles Austin Miles (January 7, 1868March 10, 1946) was a prolific American writer of

gospel songs Gospel music is a traditional genre of Christian music, and a cornerstone of Christian media. The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Gospel music is com ...

, who is best known for his 1912 hymn " In the Garden". He studied at the

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., the second-largest city in both the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Since 1 ...

and the

University of Pennsylvania The University of Pennsylvania (also known as Penn or UPenn) is a private research university in Philadelphia. It is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and is ranked among the highest-regarded universit ...

. 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 Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., the second-largest city in both the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Sinc ...

. 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". He wrote at least 398 songs, and the music to at least 8 more. 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, and recorded numerous times.

Songs

* " Dwelling in Beulah Land" ( " God Bless Fiji") (1911) * "List! ’Tis Jesus’ Voice" (a.k.a. "He's Watching and Waiting") (1894) * " In the Garden" (a.k.a. "I Come to the Garden Alone") (1912) * "Sweeter as the Years Roll By" (1914)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Miles, C. Austin 1868 births 1946 deaths People from Lakehurst, New Jersey People from Pitman, New Jersey Gospel music composers 19th-century composers 20th-century composers American Protestant hymnwriters National anthem writers