Bethlehem

O Little Town of Bethlehem - The Story Behind The Song

O Little Town of Bethlehem - The Story Behind The Song

Regarded by many as the greatest preacher America has produced, Phillips Brooks was born in Boston and educated at Harvard. He then prepared for ministry at Episcopal Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia.

Brooks was rector of Holy Trinity in Philadelphia from 1859 through 1869. His parishioners in August of 1865, sent him abroad for a year. His travels took him through Europe and in December to the Holy Land. The itinerary included a horseback ride from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.