Henry Van Dyke

Date of Birth: November 10, 1852

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: April 10, 1933

Biography

Henry Van Dyke was an American author, educator, and clergyman, renowned for his poetry, essays, and short stories. Born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, Van Dyke was a prolific writer whose work often reflected his deep religious faith and love for nature. He attended Princeton University and later Princeton Theological Seminary, where he honed his skills in theology and literature. Van Dyke served as a pastor in New York City for many years before becoming a professor of English literature at Princeton University. He was appointed by President Woodrow Wilson as the United States Ambassador to the Netherlands and Luxembourg during World War I. His literary contributions include the well-loved “The Story of the Other Wise Man” and “The First Christmas Tree,” among numerous other works. Van Dyke’s writings were influential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his legacy continues to inspire readers today.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Van Dyke

1. Henry Van Dyke wrote the lyrics for the popular hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” set to Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”

2. He was a close friend of President Woodrow Wilson and served under his administration.

3. Van Dyke was an avid fisherman and wrote extensively about the sport.

4. He received numerous honorary degrees from various institutions, including Yale, Harvard, and Princeton.

5. Van Dyke was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1915.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Van Dyke

1. “Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”

2. “Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.”

3. “Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars.”

4. “Happiness is inward, and not outward; and so it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are.”

5. “Gratitude is a twofold love—love coming to visit us, and love running out to greet a welcome guest.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a clergyman and academic during his time, Henry Van Dyke did not amass significant wealth. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but his influence and contributions to literature and society were invaluable.

Children

Henry Van Dyke had several children with his wife, Ellen Reid. Their children included: 1. Tertius Van Dyke, who became a minister. 2. Dorothea Van Dyke, who married Rev. George Parmly Day. 3. Other children who lived relatively private lives away from the public spotlight.