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.

Charles Wesley

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

Cleland B. McAfee

"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.

Elisha Hoffman

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.

Eliza Hewitt

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.

Frances Ridley Havergal

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."

George Bennard

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.

Helen Lemmel

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

Henry Alford

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

Joachim Neander

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."

John Wesley Work Jr

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

Karolina Wilhelmina Sandell-Berg

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

Louisa M R Stead

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.

Margaret Jenkins Harris

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

Nahum Tate

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

Ray Palmer

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.”

Robert Lowry

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."

Theodulf of Orléans

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.

Will Lamartine Thompson

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

William Batchelder Bradbury

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

William Dix

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.

THE INDEX OF HYMN TEXT