Author of famous Christmas carol had deep local roots

From Massachusetts-

One of the most famous – and beloved – Christmas carols is blessed with a strong North Andover connection.

Bishop Phillips Brooks, the Episcopal clergyman who wrote the words of “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” had deep roots in this community and used to live here during the summer, according to Kathy Stevens, president of the North Andover Historical Society.

Brooks, longtime rector of Trinity Church in Boston and perhaps the most prominent preacher of his day, penned “O Little Town of Bethlehem” after visiting Jesus’ birthplace in 1866. At that time, Brooks was rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia.

When Brooks wrote those now-famous verses — “O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie” — he intended them to be part of a carol for a Christmas Sunday school service at his church in 1868.

More here-

http://www.eagletribune.com/local/x12766753/Author-of-famous-Christmas-carol-had-deep-North-Andover-roots