Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778) was born in Surrey, England to an affluent family. He visited Ireland at the age of 16 and converted to Christianity at a service held in a barn – an experience he considered both ironic and providential since he had felt no spiritual yearnings at the grand cathedral his family attended. He was ordained to the ministry in the Church of England in 1762 and in 1768 he became vicar of Broadhembury, a position he held until his death. An advocate of Calvinism he came into frequent conflict with John Wesley. His volume of Psalms and Hymns for Public and Private Worship was published in 1776 and included the classic “Rock of Ages.” He attained great influence in his brief life and many of his hymns are sung to this day.
