Mary Ann Baker

• Name — Mary Anna Baker • Birth Name — Mary Eddy Baker • Born — 1832 9 16 • Birthplace — Orwell, New York, U.S. • Died — 1925 9 29 • Place of death — Maywood, Illinois, U.S. • Resting Place — Forest Home Cemetery, Forest Park, Illinois, U.S. • Pen Name — Mary Anna Baker • Occupation — * composer • singer Mary Anna Baker (16 September 1832–29 September 1925) was an American composer and singer. She was an active member of a Baptist congregation. She is known for her temperance songs and hymns. Her most widely known song is Master, the Tempest is Raging better known under the title Peace, Be Still.

"Master the Tempest is Raging" was composed by Baker and H. R. Palmer. In 1874 Baker was commissioned by Dr. Palmer to compose a song related to the biblical verses about "Jesus Stilling the Tempest". Having recently lost her brother to tuberculosis, Mary used her experience of frustration and reconciliation as inspiration to compose the words of the hymn. As related to Ira D. Sankey: Baker and Palmer's hymn enjoyed some moderate appeal amongst religious schools and churches. Almost two decades later Baker reflected on a new political connection for her composition: "During the weeks when we kept watch by the bedside of our greatly beloved President Garfield, it was republished as especially appropriate to the time, and was sung at some of the many funeral services held throughout the United States." During the 20th century, the hymn gained lasting popularity, appearing in more than 254 hymnals to date. Today it is most famous in its Gospel version as performed by James Cleveland and other black singers and choirs under the title Peace, Be Still.

Among the main hymns she composed are: • "Master, the Tempest is Raging", also known under the title "Peace, Be Still" • "Satan the Seed is Sowing" • "Chained by Sin in Cruel Bondage" • "Why Perish with Cold and with Hunger?" • "No More the Empty Name” • "Names Written in Heaven" • "Lead Us, O Shepherd True"