Frances Ridley Havergal
“I committed my soul to the Savior, and earth and heaven seemed brighter from that moment.”
Frances Ridley Havergal was born in England on December 14, 1836. Her father, William Henry Havergal, was a well-known and well-respected hymn writer. She would grow up to be much like her godly and talented father.
From an early age, Frances was well-educated. She learned to read at age 3, began memorizing the Bible at age 4, and wrote her first poetry at age 7. As a teenager, she memorized entire books of the Bible, including Psalms, Isaiah, and most of the New Testament!
Her father encouraged her to write hymns and sent her to study in Germany when she was 16. While in Germany, she devoted her life to Jesus Christ.
Frances wrote 71 hymns in the English language, including “Like a River Glorious”; “Who is on the Lord’s Side?”; and “Take My Life, and Let it Be.” She also wrote the music for some of her hymns, and her father wrote the music for others.
Frances Ridley Havergal and Fanny Crosby – two of the most famous women hymn writers in history – were contemporaries, which means they were living at the same time. Although they never met in person until they reached heaven, they were friends and pen pals. Frances once sent this poem to her friend Fanny:
Dear blind sister over the sea –
An English heart goes forth to thee.
We are linked by a cable of faith and song,
Flashing bright sympathy swift along
One in the East and one in the West,
Singing for Him whom our souls love best.
Are you using the gifts and talents and opportunities God’s given you? Do you use them for yourself or for His glory? Do you value God’s Word? Have you ever learned a Bible passage just because you wanted to?
Psalm 119:11 – Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.