The hymn commonly known as "Lily of the Valley," whose most famous refrain begins with "I have found a friend in Jesus, He's everything to me," has a fascinating and somewhat complex history involving multiple contributors and widespread popularization. Here's a breakdown: 1. **The Lyrics: William S. Hays (1871)** * The lyrics for "I Have Found a Friend in Jesus" are generally attributed to **William S. Hays** (1837-1907), an American composer, lyricist, and newspaper editor from Louisville, Kentucky. Hays was incredibly prolific, writing over 300 songs, many of which were popular secular parlor songs and minstrel tunes of his era ("The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane," "Mollie Darling"). * He wrote the words to "I Have Found a Friend in Jesus" around **1871**. The lyrics speak of finding a faithful friend in Jesus who forgives sins, comforts in sorrow, and is the "fairest of ten thousand to my soul," drawing imagery directly from the **Song of Solomon 5:10**. 2. **The Original Tune vs. The Popular Tune:** * While Hays wrote the lyrics, the original tune to which they were set might not be the one most people recognize today. There's some historical debate, with some sources attributing an earlier tune to Hays himself or to J.R. Murray. * However, the **tune that became globally famous** and is almost universally associated with the hymn today was composed or arranged by **Charles W. Fry** (1838-1882). 3. **Charles W. Fry and The Salvation Army Connection (1881)** * **Charles W. Fry** was a British bandmaster and a prominent early member of The Salvation Army. He was deeply involved in setting popular hymns to simple, stirring tunes that could be easily sung by congregations and used in street marches and open-air meetings. * Fry adapted Hays' lyrics (or perhaps just took inspiration from them) and composed a new, very singable tune for "I Have Found a Friend in Jesus" around **1881**. This tune, with its straightforward melody and strong rhythm, was perfectly suited for the evangelistic efforts of The Salvation Army. * The hymn quickly became a **staple of Salvation Army services worldwide**, contributing significantly to its global spread. The simple yet profound message, combined with Fry's catchy tune, resonated deeply with people seeking spiritual solace and a personal connection with faith. 4. **Widespread Popularity and Enduring Legacy:** * From its origins within The Salvation Army, the hymn spread rapidly to other evangelical denominations, camp meetings, and revivals throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. * Its powerful message of finding a faithful friend in Jesus, who is "the Lily of the Valley," "the Bright and Morning Star," and "the Fairest of Ten Thousand," has made it a beloved classic. * The hymn is still found in countless hymnals across various denominations today and continues to be sung, performed, and recorded by artists in gospel, country, and traditional Christian music genres. **In summary:** The lyrics of "I Have Found a Friend in Jesus" were written by **William S. Hays** in 1871. However, the immensely popular tune that made "Lily of the Valley" a global phenomenon was composed or arranged by **Charles W. Fry** around 1881, becoming a cornerstone hymn for The Salvation Army and subsequently for evangelical Christianity worldwide. The hymn's enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt testimony of Jesus as a personal, comforting, and unwavering friend.