hymn histories

1923 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” — a brief history “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is a beloved Christian hymn written in 1923 by Thomas Obadiah Chisholm (lyrics) with music composed by William M. Runyan. The lyricist: Thomas O. Chisholm (1866–1960) Chisholm was an American pastor and hymn writer. He lived a fairly ordinary, even difficult life—often struggling with health problems and financial instability. Because of this, the hymn wasn’t born out of dramatic success, but out of quiet gratitude. Chisholm later explained that the hymn reflected God’s daily faithfulness to him, even in seasons that felt small or hard. The lyrics are strongly inspired by Lamentations 3:22–23: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed… great is thy faithfulness.” The composer: William M. Runyan (1870–1957) Runyan was a musician and editor associated with the Moody Bible Institute. When he read Chisholm’s poem, he was deeply moved and composed the now-famous tune. He later said the hymn was one of...

  1880 “ Softly and Tenderly ” is a classic American gospel hymn with a gentle backstory that matches its tone. Origins The hymn was written in the late 19th century , most often dated to 1880 . Words and music were both composed by Will L. Thompson (1847–1909), an American songwriter and publisher known for many gospel songs. Thompson wrote it while living in Ohio , during a period when revival meetings and invitation hymns were central to Protestant worship in the U.S. Purpose and theme “Softly and Tenderly” is an invitation hymn —meant to be sung at the close of services, gently calling people to faith or recommitment. The lyrics emphasize compassion, patience, and mercy , portraying Jesus as lovingly calling the weary and lost: “Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me.” Unlike fiery revival songs of the era, its power comes from quiet persuasion , not urgency or fear. Rise in popularity The hymn spread quickly through reviv...

  1876 “Nothing but the Blood” is a classic Christian hymn with a pretty clear—and meaningful—backstory. Origins Text & tune: Written by Robert Lowry Date: 1876 Place: United States Lowry was a Baptist minister, professor, and prolific hymn writer. How it was written According to accounts from Lowry himself, he didn’t sit down planning to write a famous hymn. The words came during a moment of personal reflection on salvation and redemption, especially the Christian belief that forgiveness comes only through the blood of Jesus Christ. The refrain—“Nothing but the blood of Jesus”—was meant to be simple, direct, and theologically clear. Theological theme The hymn centers on: Atonement (sins forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice) Justification by faith, not works Assurance of salvation Each verse asks a question (“What can wash away my sin?”) and answers it decisively with the refrain. Musical style Written in a simple, memorable gospel style Easy for congregational singing Reflects ...

1874 "Only Trust Him," written by Methodist minister and songwriter John H. Stockton in 1874, is a classic gospel hymn designed for revival meetings and altar calls. Originally titled "Come, Every Soul by Sin Oppressed," it was popularized by evangelist Dwight L. Moody and song leader Ira D. Sankey, who modified the chorus to "Only Trust Him".    Key history points of "Only Trust Him": Author & Origin: John H. Stockton (1813–1877), a New Jersey minister, wrote both the words and music in 1874. It was published in his Salvation Melodies No. 1. Role in Revivals: The hymn gained prominence during the 1870s revival meetings of Moody and Sankey. It was used as an invitation hymn to urge listeners to place their trust in Jesus for salvation. Revisions: While Stockton wrote the hymn, Ira D. Sankey is credited with modifying the refrain to the more familiar "Only trust Him, only trust Him". Theme: The hymn focuses on salvation through faith...

  1835 "Just As I Am," written by invalid British poet Charlotte Elliott in 1834-1835, is one of Christianity's most famous hymns, born from her despair over illness and search for faith. It is celebrated for its message of unconditional acceptance, famously used by evangelist Billy Graham as his signature "altar call" hymn.  Key History of "Just As I Am": Origin: Charlotte Elliott (1789–1871) was a portrait artist who became bedridden and depressed due to illness. Inspiration: In 1834, she felt useless while watching her family raise money for a charity, but remembered the advice of a pastor, Dr. Caesar Malan, to come to God "just as you are," which inspired the lyrics. Publication: It was first published in 1835 and later appeared in her The Invalid's Hymn Book (1836). Music: The lyrics were paired with the popular tune "Woodworth" by William B. Bradbury in 1849. Legacy: Billy Graham adopted it as his invitation song during cr...

  1871 The history of the hymn "Almost Persuaded" is rooted in a powerful sermon and a tragic scriptural encounter. Written in 1871 by the prolific American hymnwriter Philip Paul Bliss, it has become one of the most famous "invitation hymns" in Christian history.  1. Biblical Inspiration The hymn is based on the biblical account in Acts 26:28, where King Agrippa is confronted by the Apostle Paul. After hearing Paul's defense of his faith and the Gospel, Agrippa famously replied:  "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." This response has long been interpreted by theologians as a tragic "near miss"—the story of someone who was close to faith but ultimately turned away.  2. The Origin Story The specific inspiration for the song came while Philip Bliss was attending a church service in the early 1870s.  The Sermon: A clergyman named Reverend Brundage closed his message with a sobering thought: "He who is almost persuaded is almost sa...

  1869 "Rescue the Perishing" is a classic evangelistic hymn  written in  1869  by the prolific American songwriter  Fanny J. Crosby  and set to music by  William H. Doane .   Renaissance Church | Providence, RI  +1 Origin Story The hymn's history is deeply rooted in Crosby’s personal mission work in New York City:   The Inspiration:  On a hot August evening in 1869, while speaking at a mission in the  Bowery district  (often cited as the Bowery Mission), Crosby felt a strong spiritual impression that a "mother's boy" present needed to be rescued that night. The Encounter:  She made an appeal for any "wandering boy" to come forward. An 18-year-old youth approached her, admitting he had promised his mother he would meet her in heaven but had strayed far from that path. Crosby prayed with him, and he converted that night. The Writing:  Deeply moved, Crosby returned home and wrote the lyrics that very evening. The t...

  1912 "Love Lifted Me" is a beloved 1912 Christian hymn written by Irish immigrant James Rowe (lyrics) and American organist Howard E. Smith (melody), inspired by the biblical account of Jesus saving Peter from sinking in the sea (Matthew 14). It was created in Saugatuck, Connecticut, and became famous for its message of salvation from despair.  Origin and Composition (1912) Authorship: The lyrics were written by James Rowe (1865–1933), a prolific writer who penned over 19,000 songs. The melody was composed by Howard E. Smith, a Connecticut church organist. Creation Story: According to accounts, Rowe and Smith worked in tandem in Saugatuck, Connecticut, in 1912, with Smith playing a piano and composing the melody as Rowe wrote the lyrics line by line. Inspiration: The hymn is primarily inspired by Matthew 14:22-33, where Peter sinks while trying to walk on water and cries out to Jesus, who lifts him up. It also references Matthew 8:23-27, where Jesus calms a storm.  Them...

  1967 "He Looked Beyond My Fault" is a beloved 1967 gospel hymn written by Dottie Rambo, inspired by a personal experience with her brother's salvation. Set to the tune of "Danny Boy" (Londonderry Air), the song highlights God's grace and compassion, famously focusing on the theme that Jesus sees human needs over faults.  Key Details and History: Origin: Written around 1967–1970 by Dottie Rambo. The song was inspired during a difficult time when Rambo was praying for her brother, who was struggling with addiction, to turn to God. Composition: Rambo set her lyrics to the traditional melody of "Danny Boy" (Londonderry Air) at the request of former Governor Jimmie Davis. Theme: The song emphasizes divine grace and compassion, with the core message that Jesus looks beyond human faults and sees their needs. It is often associated with themes of redemption, Calvary, and the unconditional love of Christ. Popularity: It has become a gospel standard record...