Introduction
Born: December 16, 1825, Dublin, Ireland.
Died: March 24, 1894, at his home in Dublin, Ireland.
Buried: Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland.
Born: December 16, 1825, Dublin, Ireland.
Died: March 24, 1894, at his home in Dublin, Ireland.
Buried: Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland.
Stewart’s father was librarian to the Honorable Society of King’s Inns.
Robert attended the Cathedral School of Christ Church, where he served as chorister. In 1844, at age 19, he became organist of Christ Church.
He was Professor of Music at the University of Dublin, 1862–94. Charles Stanford was his pupil and friend.
Stewart edited the Irish Church Hymnal in 1876. Earl Spencer (Lord Lieutenant) knighted him February 28, 1872, in the throne room of Dublin Castle.
A statue of Stewart was erected on Leinster Lawn, Dublin, and unveiled by Earl Cadogan, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, March 8, 1898.
On Christmas 1896, a brass plaque was put up in Christ Church Cathedral in his memory:
To the Glory of God
and in Memory of
Robert Prescott Stewart, Knt,
Doctor of Music.
Trained as a Chorister in the Cathedral School
he was appointed Organist at the age of eighteen
and continued in that post during fifty years.
His name stands foremost among the many who
for seven centuries
Devoted their musical talents to the Service of God
within this Ancient Sanctuary.
Upright in life and modest in spirit,
He gained the warm affection of a large circle of
friends, and universal honour and respect.
A brilliant Organist and Composer, he impressed
his genius on the use and Mode of Services
in this Cathedral Church,
and
enriched its library with many noble compositions.
Born 1825.
He entered into His rest on Easter Eve, 1894.