5 Great American Hymn Stories

August 3, 2023 by Daniel Long

Hymnwriters always leave an indelible mark on the history of Christian worship. Their words and melodies have resonated with believers, inspiring generations with messages of faith, hope, and comfort. In this blog post, we will explore the lives and works of five impactful American hymnwriters: Annie Hawks, Horatio Spafford, Louisa Stead, Elisha Hoffman, and Fanny Crosby. Each of these individuals contributed hymns that continue to touch hearts and souls, reminding us of the power and love of the God who saves.

5. Annie Hawks – I Need Thee Every Hour

Annie Hawks was a prolific hymn writer and poet, born on May 28, 1835, in Hoosick, New York. She began writing poetry at a young age and continued her passion throughout her life. However, it was in 1872, when she was 37 years old, that she penned the words to one of her most beloved hymns, “I Need Thee Every Hour.”

The hymn quickly gained popularity and resonated with many believers who could relate to the sentiment of dependence and reliance on God. Annie Hawks’ words captured the universal human need for God’s presence and the comfort that comes from knowing He is always there. Today, “I Need Thee Every Hour” remains a cherished hymn that continues to inspire and remind believers of their constant need for God’s grace and guidance in their lives.

4. Horatio Spafford – It Is Well With My Soul

Horatio Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman in the late 19th century. He was happily married to his wife, Anna Spafford, and they had five children together. However, tragedy struck the Spafford family in 1871 when their son died of scarlet fever. Just a few years later, in 1873, the family experienced another devastating loss when their four daughters drowned in a shipwreck while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. It was in the midst of this unimaginable grief that Horatio Spafford found inspiration for the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.”

The inspiration for this hymn came to Annie Hawks during a regular day of housework. As she went about her chores, she felt an overwhelming sense of dependence on God’s presence and guidance in her life. In that moment, she realized the constant need for God’s strength and support, not just during times of difficulty but in every hour of her life. This realization prompted her to write the heartfelt words, “I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord; no tender voice like Thine can peace afford.”

After receiving the heartbreaking news of his daughters’ deaths, Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife in England. On his journey across the Atlantic, as he passed the spot where the shipwreck had occurred, he penned the powerful words of the hymn. The lyrics convey a deep and unwavering faith in God’s sovereignty and a profound acceptance of His will, despite the immense pain and loss Spafford was experiencing. The hymn begins with the words, “When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”

“It Is Well With My Soul” has since become one of the most beloved hymns of all time. Spafford’s poignant words have provided solace and comfort to countless individuals who have faced their own trials and tribulations. The hymn serves as a reminder that even in the midst of unimaginable sorrow, God’s peace and presence can sustain and heal the human soul.

3. Louisa M. R. Stead – ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Louisa M. R. Stead was an American hymn writer born in 1850. She is best known for her hymn “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” which has become a beloved and enduring hymn of faith. Stead’s life was marked by tragedy, and it was during one of these difficult moments that she found inspiration for the hymn.

In 1882, Stead and her husband were enjoying a picnic near Long Island Sound when tragedy struck. Suddenly, a wave swept their four-year-old daughter into the water. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to save her. In the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, Stead found solace and comfort in her unwavering trust in Jesus. It was during this time of grief and loss that she penned the words to “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” expressing her deep faith and the peace she found in trusting in Him.

The hymn’s lyrics reflect Stead’s personal experience of finding refuge and strength in Jesus during times of trial. The words convey a profound sense of trust and surrender to the Lord, with lines such as “Just to take Him at His word, just to rest upon His promise, just to know, thus saith the Lord.” Stead’s heartfelt expression of faith resonated with many believers, and the hymn has since become a source of comfort and encouragement to countless individuals facing their own trials.

2. Elisha Hoffman – Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Elisha Albright Hoffman was an American hymn writer and minister who lived from 1839 to 1929. He penned hundreds of hymns over the course of his life, but one of his most well-known compositions is “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” This hymn has become a beloved and enduring piece of Christian music, with its comforting and reassuring message of trust in God.

The inspiration for “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” came during a time of personal struggle for Hoffman. He was going through a difficult period in his life, facing financial hardship and health issues. Yet, even in the midst of these challenges, Hoffman found solace and strength in leaning on the everlasting arms of God. This experience of relying on God’s unwavering support and faithfulness led him to write the hymn, expressing his deep trust in God’s care and provision.

The lyrics of “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” reflect a profound sense of security and peace that comes from leaning on God’s everlasting arms. Lines such as “What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms?” convey a powerful message of trust and confidence in God’s unwavering love and protection. The hymn’s simple yet memorable melody perfectly complements the lyrics, making it a timeless and cherished hymn that continues to inspire believers to lean on God in every season of life.

1. Fanny Crosby – Blessed Assurance

Fanny Crosby, born in 1820, was an influential American hymn writer who is best known for her prolific output of over 8,000 hymns. Despite being blind from infancy, Crosby’s deep faith and love for God shone through her music. One of her most beloved hymns is “Blessed Assurance,” which has become a timeless favorite in Christian worship.

The inspiration for “Blessed Assurance” came to Crosby during a visit to the home of her friend, Phoebe Knapp, a talented musician. Knapp played a new melody on the piano for Crosby and asked her what it reminded her of. Crosby immediately responded, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” This instant connection between the music and the lyrics led to the creation of one of Crosby’s most cherished hymns.

The lyrics of “Blessed Assurance” reflect Crosby’s deep and unwavering faith in God. The hymn celebrates the assurance and security that believers have in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Lines such as “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long” convey a joyous expression of faith and gratitude. Fanny Crosby’s hymn continues to inspire and uplift believers, reminding them of the blessed assurance they have in their salvation and their Savior.