Glorious Is Thy Name -Baylus Benjamin McKinney

Baylus Benjamin McKinney, hymn writer of “Glorious Is Thy Name,” was also a teacher, song leader, music editor, and publisher. He was born in Louisiana in 1886. After attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, he earned music degrees from several schools and conservatories. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1942.

After serving in the army, McKinney returned to Fort Worth and taught music at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He left there in 1932 because of financial difficulties caused by the Great Depression. In 1935, he became the music editor for the Baptist Sunday School Board and edited the popular “Broadman Hymnal” in 1940. The following year, he was named secretary of the newly formed Department of Church Music. “Glorious Is Thy Name” was published in The Teacher, a publication for Baptist Sunday School teachers in 1942, and it was included in the 1956 Baptist Hymnal and in all later editions.

For most of his career, Baylus Benjamin McKinney was known as “B. B.” He often led music in revivals at the Buckner Orphan's Home in Dallas, where the children fondly called him “Big Brother.” Sometimes, McKinney used the pseudonyms Otto Nellen, Gene Routh, and Martha Annis. He composed words and music for 149 gospel hymns and songs, composed only the music for 114 others, and arranged more than 100 other works. “Glorious is Thy Name,” “Satisfied With Jesus,” and “Wherever He Leads I’ll Go” are among his best-loved songs.

 B. B. McKinney wrote two types of hymns: those about prayer and those dealing with praise. “Glorious is Thy Name” is a majestic hymn of praise that identifies the name of Christ as Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and Master. His name is glorious and should be praised, exalted, and worshiped for all that He is. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

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