William G. Fischer

(October 14, 1835 – August 13, 1912)

William G. Fischer was born in Baltimore, Md., October 14, 1835. His father was from Wurtemburg, Germany. He developed as a child his inclination towards music, and, at the age of eight, would start the singing in a German church in Baltimore. He learned to read music in a church singing class, and afterwards studied harmony, piano and organ, under the best of teachers. He learned the book-binding trade at J. B. Lippincott’s, in Philadelphia ; and spent his evenings studying and practicing music. He had much experience in training and leading large bodies of singers of all ages; was much sought after to lead choirs and choruses in sacred music in Philadelphia, and in the meantime taught singing, piano and the theory of music.

Mr. Fischer has been closely connected with the Welsh in their musical festivals, and directed the combined Welsh Societies at the Bi-Centennial of the landing of William Penn.

In 1858 he was elected Professor of Music at Girard College, and resigned in 1868, after ten happy years. The committee showed their appreciation of him and their confidence in him by requesting him to name his successor. Before leaving Girard College he started in the piano business, where he built up one of the most prosperous piano houses in the country. He went into partnership with Mr. J. E. Gould, a partnership which was only dissolved by the death of Mr. Gould in 1875. From that time Mr. Fischer was sole proprietor of the large business house for a number of years, when he took his oldest son, Charles, into partnership, and finally retired in 1898, being succeeded by his son.

While Mr. Fischer is well known in business circles, also as a teacher and leader of choirs and choruses, he is, perhaps, best known as a composer of gospel songs, many of which have been sung wherever the Gospel has been preached. He was often urged to write and publish books of sacred music, but in this he seemed to have but little ambition, and has contented himself by writing and supplying others. His music may be found in all of the standard hymnals.

Among the most popular of his hymns are the following : ” I Love to Tell the Story,” ” Whiter than Snow,” “I am Trusting, Lord, in Thee,” “A Little Talk with Jesus,” “O, ‘Tvvas Love, Wondrous Love,” “Waiting at the Pool,” ” Valley of Blessing,” and many others that have largely influenced burdened souls towards the higher and better life. Mr. Fischer’s gospel songs are characterized by a distinctive devotional ring.

He resides in Philadelphia, and is a highly respected Christian gentleman. While he is well advanced in years, we hope he may still be able to contribute of the genius of his soul in gospel song.

Note. — Since the above sketch was written, Mr. Wm. G. Fischer passed to his reward, which occurred August 13, 1912. He was a good man and he loved to ” Tell the Story ” of Him who can make us “Whiter than Snow.”