We sang my father’s favorite song at his birthday party. It was written by the English Puritan, Phillip Doddridge.
Here are my comments about this song at the party:
My dad loves to sing this song…especially before we eat dinner at night. We have sung this song over and over for many years, and hope to continue the pattern. Here is the story behind the song:

When Monica Doddridge gave birth to Philip (1702 -1751, England), she had been through the pain of labor no less than 20 times. 18 of her children had died in infancy. Phillip was delivered as though stillborn, and so the midwife set him aside to attend to his mother. And then the baby cried out. At that moment Monica determined that young Philip’s life had been saved for a purpose. She spent the next few years doing her best to teach her frail son the Scriptures.
At a young age, Philip Doddridge was orphaned. An excerpt from his diary tells that his faith in God remained strong: God is an immortal Father. My soul rejoices in Him. He hath hitherto helped me and provided for me; may it be my study to approve myself a more affectionate, dutiful and grateful child. With no family and no money for formal training, friends encouraged him to give up his dream of entering the ministry. Doddridge took the matter to prayer and God miraculously provided funds.
Doddridge found his place among the clergy of the English Dissenters. He was pastor of an independent congregation and taught at a seminary for dissenting ministers. Doddridge wrote more than 50 hymns, including the very popular O Happy Day.

O happy day, that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
Refrain
Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away.

O happy bond, that seals my vows
To Him Who merits all my love!
Let cheerful anthems fill His house,
While to that sacred shrine I move.
Refrain
‘Tis done: the great transaction’s done!
I am the Lord’s and He is mine;
He drew me, and I followed on;
Charmed to confess the voice divine.
Refrain
Now rest, my long divided heart,
Fixed on this blissful center, rest.
Here have I found a nobler part;
Here heavenly pleasures fill my breast.

Refrain
High heaven, that heard the solemn vow,
That vow renewed shall daily hear,
Till in life’s latest hour I bow
And bless in death a bond so dear.
Refrain
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/347#ixzz2HTJ8DUOA