John M. Glynn (1834-93): Organist and Professor Of Music

Abstract

John Glynn who was born in Dublin in 1834 was the son of John Glynn,1 a civil servant who was a clerk of works at City Hall. His early education was at Mr Nattin’s school in South Richmond Street, Dublin. A gifted musician from an early age, he was taught music by James Wilkinson, an eminent organist. Glynn’s first professional appointment was at St Peter’s Church, in Drogheda, Co Louth where he remained for some years. He then returned to Dublin where he worked as organist in the Dominican Church, old Denmark Street and from there he went to the Church of St Nicholas of Myra in Francis Street where he remained until 1866. He was next appointed to the Vincentian Church, Phibsborough,2 and from there he was appointed to the Dominican Church, Dominick Street a position he retained until 1887,3 when he succeeded Hamilton Croft as organist and choirmaster of the Jesuit Church in Gardiner Street. Here Glynn inaugurated the beautiful new organ built by John White who worked on many of the organs in Dublin in the nineteenth century.4 It replaced the original instrument, which was made by Flight & Robson in 1836. Glynn worked diligently organizing and developing the church choir. Glynn was the director of the Cecilian Society,5 established in Dublin some years previously. Under his conductorship, it gave many successful concerts. He conducted the first Cecilian Festival held in St Andrew’s Church, Westland Row in 1879.