Hymn Writers

Explore the lives and legacies of the gifted composers behind your favorite hymns. Discover the stories that inspired the songs that lift your soul.

Lyricists

Alford, Henry

Henry Alford, scholar and pastor, left a lasting impact through his monumental Greek New Testament and beloved hymns like “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.”

Bennard, George

From coal mines to church pews, George Bennard's life was a testament to perseverance. Discover the story behind "The Old Rugged Cross" and be inspired.

Bliss, Philip

Philip P. Bliss: From humble beginnings to gospel music legend. His tragic end couldn't silence the hymns that still inspire millions today.

Breck, Carrie

Carrie E. Breck: Mother of five, prolific hymn writer who penned 2000+ poems despite no musical ear. Her faith-filled verses, born amid daily chores, still inspire today.

Bridges, Matthew

Matthew Bridges, Anglican-turned-Catholic hymnwriter, left a lasting legacy with his masterpiece, "Crown Him with Many Crowns," a timeless expression of faith.

Carter, Russell Kelso

Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928): Hymn writer, preacher, and advocate of divine healing whose evolving views and controversial teachings left a complex legacy.

Caswall, Edward

Edward Caswall, gifted hymn writer and translator, left a lasting legacy in Christian worship through his hymns, including "When Morning Gilds the Skies."

Chapman, John Wilbur

John Wilbur Chapman: From hesitant Sunday School boy to influential evangelist. His innovative methods and stirring hymns touched millions, leaving a legacy.

Chisholm, Thomas Obadiah

Thomas O. Chisholm: poet, hymn writer, Methodist minister. Best known for "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." Wrote 1,200+ poems despite poverty and poor health. A life of faith.

Crosby, Fanny J.

Fanny Crosby, blind hymn writer who penned over 8,000 hymns, praised as the "Queen of Gospel Song Writers." Overcame tragedy to touch lives for eternity.

Dix, William

From a sickbed, William Chatterton Dix penned hymns that still inspire. Discover how an ordinary life devoted to God can leave an extraordinary legacy of faith.

Elliott, Charlotte

Charlotte Elliott, 19th-century hymn writer, penned "Just As I Am" after a divine encounter with God. Despite illness, she inspired millions with her hymns.

Fawcett, John

John Fawcett: Baptist minister, hymn writer. Chose humble Wainsgate over London fame. Penned "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" after staying with his flock in 1772.

Featherston, William

William Ralph Featherston: Canadian teenager who penned "My Jesus, I Love Thee," a beloved hymn that endures in Christian worship worldwide.

Gabriel, Charles

Charles Gabriel: Self-taught gospel composer. Wrote 8000+ songs, including "Send the Light." Edited hymnals. His heartfelt melodies still inspire worship today.

Hall, Elvina

Elvina Hall: Wrote "Jesus Paid It All" on a hymnal flyleaf during a sermon. Her spontaneous poem, set to music, became a beloved hymn still sung today.

Harris, Margaret Jenkins

Uncover the inspiring legacy of Margaret Jenkins Harris, the unsung hymn writer whose songs like "I Will Praise Him" have uplifted generations of believers.

Havergal, Frances Ridley

Frances Havergal - the poet and hymnwriter whose life of devoted service to Christ gave the church timeless hymns like "Take My Life and Let It Be."

Hewitt, Eliza

Despite a painful injury, Eliza Hewitt found her voice as a beloved hymn writer. Her 500+ songs like “When We All Get To Heaven ” still inspire a century later.

Hoffman, Elisha

From "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" to "Are You Washed in the Blood", explore the life of hymn writer Elisha Hoffman and his legacy in Christian music.

Hudson, Ralph

Ralph E. Hudson: Civil War veteran turned hymn writer. His melodies, born from faith and service, still echo in churches worldwide.

Hussey, Jennie

Jennie Hussey: Quaker poet who penned "Lead Me to Calvary" while caring for her invalid sister. Her life of faith and service shines through her enduring hymns.

Johnston, Julia Harriette

Julia Harriette Johnston, a 19th-century hymn writer, penned "Grace Greater Than Our Sin" and 500 other hymns, leaving a legacy of faith and inspiration.

Lemmel, Helen

Blind hymn writer Helen Lemmel's unwavering faith and prolific compositions, including the beloved "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," continue to inspire generations.

Lowry, Robert

Discover the inspiring story of Robert Lowry, the preacher and hymnwriter who captured the triumph of Christ's resurrection in the beloved hymn "Christ Arose."

Luther, Martin

Charlotte Elliott, 19th-century hymn writer, penned "Just As I Am" after a divine encounter with God. Despite illness, she inspired millions with her hymns.

Lyte, Henry Francis

Henry Francis Lyte: Anglican priest, poet, and hymn writer, best known for "Abide with Me." Dedicated to serving God and others despite struggles with health and faith.

Mackay, William Paton

William Paton Mackay's transformative journey from skeptic doctor to passionate minister and hymn writer continues to inspire generations of believers.

McAfee, Cleland B.

"Near to the Heart of God" - Cleland Boyd McAfee's life was one of service, faith, and the transformative power of music to bring hope in the darkest of times.

Montgomery, James

James Montgomery: Poet, hymn writer, social reformer. From struggling student to influential voice, his verses shaped Christian worship and championed justice.

Neander, Joachim

Joachim Neander: 17th-century German hymn writer whose songs still resound today. Explore the life, landscape, and legacy behind the hymn "Praise to the Lord."

Orléans, Theodulf of

Bishop, scholar, and poet Theodulf of Orléans left an indelible mark on the Carolingian Renaissance, shaping the church's stance on religious art and education.

Palmer, Ray

Ray Palmer, beloved 19th-century pastor and hymnwriter, left a lasting impact on the church through his beautiful hymns, including “My Faith Looks Up to Thee.”

Perronet, Edward

Edward Perronet: Fiery hymn writer of "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." Methodist rebel whose witty verses challenged church authority, stirring controversy.

Pollard, Adelaide Addison

Adelaide Pollard's life of faith led to the timeless prayer "Have Thine Own Way, Lord," inspiring generations to trust in the divine Potter.

Prentiss, Elizabeth

Elizabeth Prentiss: Author, hymn writer, pastor's wife. Her writings, born from joy and sorrow, continue to inspire. Known for "More Love to Thee, O Christ."

Robinson, George

George Robinson Irish poet and pastor. Studied at Trinity College, Dublin. Known for hymn "Loved with Everlasting Love." Served churches in Ireland and England.

Sammis, John H.

John H. Sammis: From businessman to minister, the life and legacy of the faithful hymn writer behind "Trust and Obey" inspires us to trust and obey God in all circumstances.

Sandell-Berg, Karolina Wilhelmina

From a frail child to a beloved hymn writer, Lina Sandell's life was a testament to unwavering faith. Learn the story behind this inspiring hymn writer.

Scriven, Joseph M.

Joseph M. Scriven, an Irish poet and hymnist, penned the beloved hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" to comfort his ill mother, leaving a legacy of faith and solace.

Sherwin, William

William F. Sherwin: Composer, educator, and hymn writer. Shaped American sacred music through his work at Chautauqua and Biglow & Main. Known for "Break Thou the Bread of Life."

Spafford, Horatio

Horatio Spafford, author of "It Is Well With My Soul," found peace in tragedy. His hymn, born from the loss of his daughters at sea, still inspires hope today.

Stead, Louisa M. R.

Louisa Stead's faith shone through tragedy, penning the hymn Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus after losing her husband. Discover an inspiring story of resilience.

Tate, Nahum

From Puritan roots to Britain's Poet Laureate, discover the remarkable journey of Nahum Tate, the Dublin-born wordsmith who dared to reimagine Shakespeare.

Thompson, Will Lamartine

Will Lamartine Thompson, beloved hymn writer of "Softly and Tenderly," left a legacy of faith and generosity that continues to inspire generations of believers.

Thrupp, Dorothy Ann

Dorothy Thrupp, humble hymnwriter, crafted verses that led children to Christ. Her words, not her name, guided young hearts to the Good Shepherd.

Toplady, Augustus

Augustus Toplady, Anglican cleric and author of the hymn "Rock of Ages," left an indelible mark on Christian faith despite his life being cut short at age 37.

Wesley, Charles

Charles Wesley: prolific hymnwriter, leader of the Methodist movement. His 6,500+ timeless hymns unite & inspire believers worldwide, leaving a legacy of faith.

Wilson, Emily Devine

Emily Devine Wilson, a gifted composer and lyricist, left a lasting impact on sacred music with her beloved hymn tunes, including "When We All Get to Heaven."

Work, John Wesley

John Wesley Work Jr, pioneering African American musicologist, preserved the legacy of spirituals and folk songs, leaving an indelible mark on music history.

Composers

Ahnfelt, Oscar

Oscar Ahnfelt: Swedish composer, singer, and pietist preacher who set Lina Sandell's hymns to music. His work spread globally, influencing hymnody worldwide.

Allen, Chester G.

Chester G. Allen: Cleveland music teacher, hymn composer, and editor. Best known for "Praise Him, Praise Him." Collaborated with Fanny Crosby and others.

Bennard, George

From coal mines to church pews, George Bennard's life was a testament to perseverance. Discover the story behind "The Old Rugged Cross" and be inspired.

Bliss, Philip

Philip P. Bliss: From humble beginnings to gospel music legend. His tragic end couldn't silence the hymns that still inspire millions today.

Bradbury, William Batchelder

Discover the inspiring life of William Batchelder Bradbury, the composer behind beloved hymns like "Jesus Loves Me," and his enduring impact on sacred music.

Carter, Russell Kelso

Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928): Hymn writer, preacher, and advocate of divine healing whose evolving views and controversial teachings left a complex legacy.

Converse, Charles Crozat

Charles Converse, a talented attorney and composer, is best known for setting Joseph Scriven's lyrics to the beloved hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."

de Giardini, Felice

Italian violin virtuoso and composer Felice Giardini dazzled 18th-century audiences, befriended J.C. Bach, and penned enduring hymn tunes still sung today.

Doane, William Howard

William Howard Doane: a prolific hymn writer, successful businessman, and generous philanthropist whose legacy lives on through his timeless music and enduring impact.

Elvey, George Job

Sir George Job Elvey: English organist, composer, and choirmaster at St George's Chapel, Windsor. Known for hymn tunes DIADEMATA and ST. GEORGE'S WINDSOR.

Fischer, William

William G. Fischer: composer, educator, and piano merchant. Wrote beloved hymns like "I Love to Tell the Story." Led choirs and taught at Girard College.

Gabriel, Charles

Charles Gabriel: Self-taught gospel composer. Wrote 8000+ songs, including "Send the Light." Edited hymnals. His heartfelt melodies still inspire worship today.

Gordon, Adoniram Judson

A.J. Gordon: Pastor, hymnwriter, and missionary advocate who founded Gordon College, composed "My Jesus, I Love Thee," and championed women in ministry.

Grape, John

John Grape: coal merchant and church musician who composed the tune for "Jesus Paid It All." Persevered despite criticism, leaving a lasting impact on hymnody.

Harris, Margaret Jenkins

Uncover the inspiring legacy of Margaret Jenkins Harris, the unsung hymn writer whose songs like "I Will Praise Him" have uplifted generations of believers.

Hoffman, Elisha

From "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" to "Are You Washed in the Blood", explore the life of hymn writer Elisha Hoffman and his legacy in Christian music.

Holden, Oliver

Oliver Holden: Revolutionary War marine turned carpenter, composer, and civic leader. Creator of "Coronation," America's oldest hymn tune still in wide use today.

Hudson, Ralph

Ralph E. Hudson: Civil War veteran turned hymn writer. His melodies, born from faith and service, still echo in churches worldwide.

Kirkpatrick, William J.

William J. Kirkpatrick: Prolific gospel composer, friend of Fanny Crosby, and devoted music minister. His 1,000+ hymns continue to inspire generations.

Knapp, Phoebe Palmer

Phoebe Knapp: Wealthy hymn composer, known for "Blessed Assurance." Collaborated with Fanny Crosby. Philanthropist and socialite who used her gifts for God.

Lemmel, Helen

Blind hymn writer Helen Lemmel's unwavering faith and prolific compositions, including the beloved "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," continue to inspire generations.

Lowry, Robert

Discover the inspiring story of Robert Lowry, the preacher and hymnwriter who captured the triumph of Christ's resurrection in the beloved hymn "Christ Arose."

Luther, Martin

Charlotte Elliott, 19th-century hymn writer, penned "Just As I Am" after a divine encounter with God. Despite illness, she inspired millions with her hymns.

Mackay, William Paton

William Paton Mackay's transformative journey from skeptic doctor to passionate minister and hymn writer continues to inspire generations of believers.

Mason, Lowell

Lowell Mason: American composer, music educator. Pioneered music in public schools, shaped American church music. Arranged "Joy to the World."

McAfee, Cleland B.

"Near to the Heart of God" - Cleland Boyd McAfee's life was one of service, faith, and the transformative power of music to bring hope in the darkest of times.

Monk, William Henry

William Henry Monk: English organist, church musician, and composer. Known for composing "Abide with Me." Influential editor of Hymns Ancient and Modern hymnal.

Murray, James

James R. Murray: Civil War musician, hymn composer, and arranger of "Away in a Manger." His melodies, born in war camps, became beloved American classics.

Prichard, Rowland

Rowland Huw Prichard, Welsh composer and choir director, wrote beloved hymn tune "HYFRYDOL" in his youth. His melody now resounds in churches worldwide.

Rodeheaver, Homer

Homer Rodeheaver: Trombonist evangelist who calmed crowds and shaped gospel music. His life blended faith, showmanship, and melody, inspiring millions.

Runyan, William M.

William Marion Runyan: Methodist minister and composer, best known for the beloved hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." A life dedicated to faith and sacred music.

Sherwin, William

William F. Sherwin: Composer, educator, and hymn writer. Shaped American sacred music through his work at Chautauqua and Biglow & Main. Known for "Break Thou the Bread of Life."

Showalter, Anthony

Anthony Showalter: composer, publisher, educator. His hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" echoes through time. Discover the maestro behind the melody.

Smart, Henry

Henry Smart: English organist and composer. Overcame blindness to create beloved hymns. Designed organs and edited hymnals. Best known for "Regent Square" tune.

Spafford, Horatio

Horatio Spafford, author of "It Is Well With My Soul," found peace in tragedy. His hymn, born from the loss of his daughters at sea, still inspires hope today.

Stebbins, George Coles

George C. Stebbins: Renowned gospel composer, hymn writer, & singing evangelist. Worked with D.L. Moody & Ira Sankey. Wrote "Take Time to Be Holy."

Thompson, Will Lamartine

Will Lamartine Thompson, beloved hymn writer of "Softly and Tenderly," left a legacy of faith and generosity that continues to inspire generations of believers.

Towner, Daniel Brink

Daniel B. Towner: Prolific gospel composer, gifted singer, & music educator. Wrote 2,000+ hymns, led music at Moody Bible Institute. A legacy of faith in song.

Tullar, Grant

Grant Tullar: Orphaned hymn writer. Rose from poverty and addiction to pen beloved songs. His journey from despair to faith inspired millions through music.

Wilson, Emily Devine

Emily Devine Wilson, a gifted composer and lyricist, left a lasting impact on sacred music with her beloved hymn tunes, including "When We All Get to Heaven."

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