Hymn Story: I Have Entered Beulah Land
Isaiah 62:4 says, “You will be called Hepzibah, and your land Beulah.” Fanny Crosby wrote the lyrics to the hymn “I Have Entered Beulah Land.” The song was first published in 1886. John R. Sweney…
Hymn Story: Come Worship Him
“Come and Worship” is a hymn written by Fanny Crosby. Over her career as a hymn writer, Crosby’s words were partnered with melodies of numerous composers. Phoebe Knapp is the composer of this hymn and…
Hymn Story: I Shall Know Him
Fanny Crosby wrote the hymn “My Savior First of All.” The hymn is also known as “I shall know Him.” Crosby, who was blind, wrote many hymns. She stated “If I had a choice, I…
Hymn Story: We Praise Thee, We Bless Thee, Our Savior Divine
Another hymn by Fanny Crosby is “We Praise Thee, We Bless Thee, Our Savior Divine.” Over the course of her life, Crosby (1820-1915) wrote thousands of hymns and around eight thousand poems. Many of her…
Hymn Story: Savior, More than Life to Me
“Savior, More than Life to Me” was first published by Fanny Crosby in 1875. William H. Doane composed the music. He sent Crosby the tune and requested she write a hymn titled “Every day and…
Hymn Songs: Never Forget the Dear Ones
Renowned hymnists Fanny Crosby taught at the New York Institution for the Blind for eleven years. While on summer break, she would spend time in North Reading, Mass. She wrote many songs for Dr. George…
Hymn Story: The Bright Forever
Fanny Crosby wrote “The Bright Forever.” Sometimes it’s referred to by the beginning line “Breaking through the clouds that gather.” Crosby met many distinguished figures in American history, including Henry Clay. She wrote of one…
Hymn Story: Praise, Praise His Name
Praise, Praise His Name was written by Fanny Crosby. The hymn is often referred to by its first line “On the desert mountain straying.” Crosby became blind at a very young age but became a…
Behind the Hymn: Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It
Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It was written by Fanny Crosby. You may have also seen the hymn referred to as Redeemed. Fanny Crosby was a prolific poet and hymn writer. Fanny Crosby was…
Behind the Hymn: All the Way the Savior Leads Me
All the Way the Savior Leads Me is one of the songs that runs through my mind at times. The hymn was written in 1875 by Fanny Crosby. “A frequently told story about this hymn…
Behind the Hymn: Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross
This popular hymn was written by Fanny Crosby, author of over 8,000 hymns and songs. She often collaborated with composer William Doane. Doane wrote the music and then the melody was played for Crosby. Upon…
Profile of a Hymn Composer: Fanny Crosby
Frances Jane Crosby was born on March 24, 1820 in Brewster, New York. She is best known as Fanny. At the age of six weeks, Fanny caught a cold that caused inflammation in her eyes.…
Behind the Hymn Sunday: To God Be the Glory
To God Be the Glory was written by Fanny Crosby around 1875. She originally titled the hymn “Praise for Redemption.” William Doane composed the music to go with Fanny Crosby’s lyrics. The hymn first…
Behind the Song Sunday: Blessed Assurance
Fanny Crosby went blind at the age of six weeks in 1820. Her blindness was not necessary but was due to an improper medical procedure. One day in 1873, Fanny was visiting her friend…