<P> "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" (a.k.a. "Precious Lord, Take My Hand") is a gospel song . The lyrics were written by the Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey, who also adapted the melody . </P> <P> The melody is credited to Dorsey, drawn extensively from the 1844 hymn tune, "Maitland". "Maitland" is often attributed to American composer George N. Allen (1812--1877), but the earliest known source (Plymouth Collection, 1855) shows that Allen was the author / adapter of the text "Must Jesus bear the cross alone," not the composer of the tune, and the tune itself was printed without attribution for many years . "Maitland" is also sometimes attributed to The Oberlin Social and Sabbath School Hymn Book, which Allen edited, but this collection does not contain music . This tune originally appeared in hymnals and tune books as "Cross and Crown"; the name "Maitland" appears as early as 1868 . Dorsey said that he used it as inspiration . Dorsey wrote "Precious Lord" in response to his inconsolable bereavement at the death of his wife, Nettie Harper, in childbirth, and his infant son in August 1932 . (Mr. Dorsey can be seen telling this story in the 1981 gospel music documentary Say Amen, Somebody .) The earliest known recording was made on February 16, 1937, by the Heavenly Gospel Singers (Bluebird B6846). "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" is published in more than 40 languages . </P>

Who wrote the song take my hand precious lord