“America the Beautiful” was written by Katherine Lee Bates in 1893 from the summit of Pikes Peak. She wrote the lyrics but the music was written by Samuel A. Ward. He died in 1903 one year before the words and music were put together. The two never met.
Katherine gave hundreds if not thousands of permissions to have the song published in hymn books and pamphlets and the song became an American favorite. Many wanted it to become the National Anthem instead of the “Star Spangled Banner” and the debate still goes on today.
Psalm 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Center for Evangelists 