Biography
After completing studies under Adams, Hamilton and Griesbach, Monk launched his career as organist at St Peter's, Eaton Square. Additional posts followed at St George's, Albemarle, and St Paul's, Portman, before he assumed the role of choirmaster at King's College, London. There, William Dyce fostered Monk's growing fascination with plainchant, prompting contributions to the journal "Parish Choir," where Monk later served as editor. In 1852 he took up duties as choirmaster and organist at St Matthias, instituting daily choral services. Under his direction the choir guided congregational singing, selected music according to the liturgical calendar, and performed psalms in plainchant. Concurrently he held the professorship of vocal music at King's College. Monk also prepared the edition of "Hymns Ancient and Modern" that includes his composed melody "Eventide," also known as "Abide with me."