Ebenezer was composed in 1896 and first published in 1897. It was named after Ebenezer Chapel in Rhos, Pontardawe, Wales, though it is sometimes known as Ton-y-Botel — Tune in a Bottle — from a whimsical myth about its discovery. Ralph Vaughan Williams considered it one of the greatest hymn tunes ever written.Thomas John Williams (1869–1944) was born in Ynysmeudwy, Wales. He held a diploma from the Tonic Sol-Fa College and served as organist at several Welsh chapels while working as an engine stoker, then a coal hewer, then in the insurance business. The hymn tune that would outlive all his other work was composed during his years at Mount Elim Chapel in Pontardawe.Ben Lahring (b. 1986) is an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre and a member of the Canadian League of Composers. He is the classical guitar instructor at Ambrose University. From his formative years in tropical northern Australia to a globe-spanning music career, Lahring has always been bold in his musical explorations. His album Driftwood was reviewed to high acclaim as "a work of originality and shimmering beauty" (Vivascene) and "one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals" (Fanfare Magazine). He studied composition with Dr. Heva Chan in Sydney and Drs. Laurie Radford and Allan Bell in Calgary.
