"For the Beauty of the Earth"
Folliott Pierpoint (1835-1917)
 
Not much is known about Folliott Pierpoint, the author of this hymn. He was born in Bath, England, a lovely town nestled in the hills. Today in Bath, one can still view the large pools of mineral baths for which the town was named. Folliott was a professor of the classics at Somerset College and later became a freelance writer. The inspiration for this hymn was said to come to Folliott as he was strolling around Bath one day in late spring, enjoying the beautiful countryside with the winding Avon River in the distance. Folliott also recalled his social blessings of friends and home. Above all, however, were the spiritual blessings as represented by the church, God's chosen agency for accomplishing His divine purpose in the world.