Background
Smith, Gerrit was born on December 11, 1859 in Hagerstown, Maryland, United States. Son of Gerrit Henry and Marie Antoinette (Fitz Hugh) Smith.
Smith, Gerrit was born on December 11, 1859 in Hagerstown, Maryland, United States. Son of Gerrit Henry and Marie Antoinette (Fitz Hugh) Smith.
G.s. Colonel William Fitzhugh Maryland, g.g.s. Colonel James Livingston, grandnephew Gerritt Smith, abolitionist and philanthropist. Educated Hobart College.
Studied music and architecture abroad.
Museum Doctor, Hobart, 1891.
Organist Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Buffalo, and Saint Peter’s Church, Albany. Organist Old South Church, New York, since 1885. Later professor music, Union Theological Seminary.
Professor theory.
Master School, Brooklyn. Gave 285 free organ recitals in that church and played abroad. Founder, and 6 years president Manuscript Society of Composers.
President New York State Music Teachers’ Association.
Honorary president American Guild of Organists. Well-known composer and writer on musical topics.
Compositions: King David (cantata). Song Cycle; “Thistledown”.
Also over 75 songs, numerous piano pieces, carols and church anthems.
Home: New York, New New York
Married Caroline Butterfield, 1887.