The hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" is one of the most beloved and enduring Christian hymns, born out of profound personal sorrow and a deep well of faith. Its history is a testament to the power of comfort found in reliance on God. Here's a breakdown of its history: 1. **The Words: Joseph Scriven (1819-1886)** * **Early Life & Tragedies:** Joseph Medlicott Scriven was born in Banbridge, County Down, Ireland (modern-day Northern Ireland). He was a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. His early life was marked by immense personal tragedy. * In 1843, he was engaged to be married, but his fiancée drowned on the eve of their wedding. This devastating loss prompted him to re-evaluate his life and deepened his faith. * Seeking a new start, he immigrated to Canada in 1845, settling near Port Hope, Ontario. * Years later, he fell in love again and became engaged to Eliza Roche. However, she too became ill and died before they could marry. * **A Life of Service:** Despite, or perhaps because of, these heart-wrenching losses, Scriven dedicated his life to serving others. He taught school, tutored, and spent his time helping the poor, the sick, and the disadvantaged in his community. He was known for his selflessness and compassion, often sharing what little he had. * **The Poem's Origin (1855):** Around 1855, Scriven learned that his mother, who still lived in Ireland, was very ill and deeply distressed. Unable to be with her, he wrote a long letter of comfort and enclosed a poem he had penned for her. The poem was meant only for her eyes, a private expression of his faith and a reminder that she could cast all her cares upon Jesus. He titled it simply "Pray Without Ceasing." * **Discovery & Publication:** Scriven never intended the poem for public consumption. It was discovered by chance many years later (around 1869) when a neighbor visited him while he was ill. The neighbor saw the manuscript and asked Scriven if he had written it. Scriven replied, "The Lord and I did it between us." The poem was subsequently published, first appearing in print in various hymnals and collections. 2. **The Music: Charles C. Converse (1832-1918)** * **Background:** Charles Crozat Converse was an American lawyer, composer, and music editor. Born in Massachusetts, he studied law and music in Germany and was a well-respected figure in both fields. * **Composition (1868):** In 1868, Converse composed the melody specifically for Scriven's poem. He titled the tune "CONVERSE" (after himself), and it is this melody that is universally associated with the hymn today. 3. **Coming Together and Popularity:** * **Initial Pairing:** The words and music were first widely published together in 1868 in William B. Bradbury and Robert Lowry's collection *Silver Wings*. * **Ira D. Sankey's Influence:** The hymn's widespread popularity exploded largely due to the evangelist Ira D. Sankey, who was the music director for Dwight L. Moody's massive evangelistic crusades in the late 19th century. Sankey discovered the hymn and included it in his immensely popular collection *Sacred Songs and Solos* (1875), which sold millions of copies. Sankey's powerful singing of the hymn in countless revival meetings resonated deeply with audiences, making it a staple in churches and homes across the world. 4. **Enduring Legacy:** * "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" has been translated into countless languages and remains one of the most frequently sung and cherished hymns globally. * Its simple, yet profound, message of finding solace, strength, and an ever-present friend in Jesus, especially through prayer, has offered comfort to generations facing trials, grief, and uncertainty. * The poignant backstory of Joseph Scriven's own suffering adds a deeper layer of meaning to the hymn, demonstrating that its words were forged in the crucible of real-life sorrow and unwavering faith.