Fanny Crosby A Profitable Servant The life, times and works of a diligent workman who needeth not be ashamed.
1 Outline… • Why Fanny Crosby? • Childhood • The Institute • Career • Key People: DL Moody, ID Sankey, Presidents…, • William Doane, Main & Main • Notable Events • Cholera • Addresses to Congress • Contact with Contemporaries • Faith • Marriage • Publications • Ministries: • NYC Missions, Giving to the poor, Children’s Ministries • Resources
2 “By any standard, Crosby deserves study…” “She produced thousands of hymns and thus left her mark on Protestant devotion.” At the time of her death: A contemporary newspaper tribute by Annie Willis observed of Crosby: “The writer of favorite hymns is one of the great powers that influence the world.” Trinity Hymnal, 2006 • 55 To God Be the Glory Heard Thy Voice • 173 Praise Him! Praise Him! • 556 Though Your Sins Be as • 175 A Wonderful Savior Is Jesus Scarlet My Lord • 605 All the Way My Savior Leads • 234 Tell Me the Story of Jesus Me • 264 Jesus, Keep Me Near the • 693 Blessed Assurance Cross • 701 Redeemed, How I Love to • 533 I Am Thine, O Lord, I Have Proclaim It!
Her Heart Can See The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer 3 Tell Me the Story of Jesus…
4 Introduction… Francis Jane Crosby; Born March 24, 1820 in Brewster, NY Died February 12, 1915 in Bridgeport, CT at the Age of 94 “Her lifetime overlapped those of every president from John Adams to Dwight D. Eisenhower. During her life the country’s population swelled from 5 million to 100 million, and the number of stars on the flag increased from twenty-three to forty-eight. In 1820 James Monroe sat in the White House; in 1915 Woodrow Wilson led a nation poised at the brink of World War I. In 1820 the population included millions of slaves, …in 1915 millions of recently arrived southern and eastern Europeans challenged Americans to adapt to greater religious and ethnic pluralism. The young Crosby rode about in horse-drawn carts. The year she died, railroads crisscrossed the United States and the Ford Motor Company produced its millionth automobile.”
Her Heart Can See The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer 5 Where… 1. Born in Putnam County, (Southeast) Brewster, NY 2. North Salem, NY 3. Rigdgefield, CT 4. NY Institute for The Blind 5. Married: Maspeth, (Queens) NY 6. Died Bridgeport, CT
6 Family… • Great Britain; 8 ancient sites bear the name Crosby dating back to 1204 • Crosby means "town of the cross" • The first Crosbys arrived at the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1632 • "My ancestors were Puritans; my family tree rooted around Plymouth Rock; all my predecessors of lineage died at a good old age." Fanny Crosby 1903 • I was raised as a “Calvinistic Presbyterian” FC Memories of 80 Years • Father: John Crosby • Mother Mercy Crosby Crosby • Grandmother: Eunice Crosby Mercy, Julia, and Caroline
Morris and Fanny Crosby7 Blinded at just six weeks old… • At six weeks old, Crosby caught a cold and developed inflammation of the eyes. Regular physician was out of town. Man claiming to be a doctor recommended mustard poultice • Her corneas were burned and scar tissue developed obscuring all but the brightest light. The doctor fled and was never heard from again. o“What kind of life can a blind girl have? Who will want our precious Fanny?” John Crosby 8 Father dies when Fannie was 6 months… • That same year, John Crosby was working his field on a rainy day in November and came in badly chilled. He died 3 days later. • 1825 Mercy, a widow at 21, moved to North Salem, NY, Grandma Eunice’s home. She realized though, that her father could not support her and Fanny. She took a job as a maid with a wealthy, nearby landowner.
9 Very Early Training… • Grandma Eunice (1778-1831) took a special interest in Fanny. For the child’s first 4 or 5 years, Eunice was closer to her than her own mother. • Eunice decided that she would be her granddaughter’s eyes. She firmly resolved that Fanny would not be a helpless invalid, dependent on others as so many others were in those days. • She taught Fanny about botany and to love God's creation. Taught her to recognize flowers and trees by the feel of their leaves asking: “Now what tree was this one from?” • Spent many hours vividly describing the landscape, sun, stars and the moon to young Fanny
“Fanny Crosby” by Bernard Ruffin
10 Hope for Healing… • 1825 at the age of 5 • Market wagon to Sing Sing then by sloop down Hudson to NYC • Famous Dr. Valentine Mott, Chair of Surgery at Columbia College School of Medicine • She could see some light and color but little else. • After examining her eyes he said “There was no hope, malpractice had spoiled them”
“Safe in the Arms of Jesus” by Chester and S. Ann Hearn
11
Age 8, her first poem…
Oh, what a happy soul I am, Although I cannot see! I am resolved that in this world Contented I will be. How many blessings I enjoy That other people don’t, To weep and sigh because I’m blind I cannot, and I won’t!
“Safe in the Arms of Jesus” by Chester and S. Ann Hearn
12 Longing for Learning… Desiring God… • Fanny longed to learn like the other children • Fanny prayed to be able to learn and to be able to go to school
• One day while visiting grandma, Eunice saw Fanny’s concern and asked her: will you meet your grandma in God’s house on high? • Fanny: “By the grace of God I will.” • Grandma Eunice died shortly there after.
13 Zealously memorized the Bible… • “… I was eight years old, when we moved to (nearby) Ridgefield, Connecticut; and there we remained until I was fourteen. • “During these years my greatest anxiety centered itself in the constant thought that I would not be able to get an education; but, in the meantime, I was determined to be as content as circumstances would allow, and to hope for any good fortune that the future might have in store.” • “Mrs. Hawley, a kind Christian lady, in whose house we resided, and who had no children of her own, became deeply interested in me, and under her supervision (while Mercy was at work) I acquired a thorough knowledge of the Bible. She (read) me a number of chapters each week to learn, …I could repeat a large portion of the first four books of the Old Testament and the four Gospels. At Sunday-School the children would stand in the aisles and repeat some of the passages that they had committed during the previous week; and there was considerable rivalry in trying to recite the largest number.”
*131 Christians Everyone Should Know Broadman & Holman Publishers. **Memories of Eighty Years by Fanny J. Crosby 14 New York Institute for the Blind • Shortly before her fifteenth birthday, Crosby was sent to the recently founded New York Institute for the Blind, which would be her home for 23 years: • 12 as a student, 11 as a teacher. • She initially indulged in her own poetry and was called upon to pen verses for various occasions.
*131 Christians Everyone Should Know
15 Hamilton Murray…
• Fanny’s original poetry and engaging personality quickly won her the frequent duty of writing and reading her verse for visiting dignitaries • Hamilton Murray read long passages of poetry to Fanny and required her to memorize them • Taught her meter, rhyme, and rapidity of composition
16 Some of her publications… • 1831 First publication of one of her poems • 1844 First volume of verse “The Blind Girl and Other Poems” • When the legislation failed to pass she went about the same end another way… • Full List online
17 Poetry for presidents… • 1843 By age 23 Crosby was addressing Congress… “…when I finished my poem there was a dreadful silence which I interpreted to mean that the audience was not pleased. With mingled emotions, alternating between hope and fear, I waited, … In reality I suppose, not more than thirty seconds passed before there was such a tremendous applause that I was actually frightened.” • … she knew all the chief executives of her lifetime • Back again in 1844 & 1846 Lobbying to pass legislation for “schools for the blind in every state”
Galli, M., & Olsen, T. (2000). Introduction. In 131 Christians everyone should know (pp. 160–162) Eighty Years by Fanny Crosby https://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Fanny_Crosby#Marriage_and_family 18
Influential Co-Worker… • Grover Cleveland • 16 years old joined NYIB as a staff clerk • Spent many hours in conversation with and taking dictation from Fanny • Later became 22nd & 24th President of United States My dear friend: "It is more than fifty years ago that our acquaintance and friendship began; and ever since that time I have watched your continuous …labor in uplifting humanity, and pointing out the way to an appreciation of God's goodness and mercy. “… those who have known of your works and sympathized with your noble purposes owe it to themselves that you are apprized of their remembrance of these things. I am, therefore, exceedingly gratified to learn that your eighty-fifth birthday is to be celebrated... As one proud to call you an old friend, I desire to be early in congratulating you on your long life of usefulness, and wishing you in the years yet to be added to you, the peace and comfort born of the love of God. Stephen Grover Cleveland "Yours very sincerely, 22nd & 24th President "Grover Cleveland.“ Memories of Eighty Years by Fanny J. Crosby 19 NYIB Poetess Laureate/Hostess Crosby…
• Horace Greeley, Editor of the New York Tribune invited Fanny to contribute articles • She also wrote for: • The New York Herald • The Saturday Emporium • The Saturday Evening Post and • The Clinton Signal • President James Polk came to visit and to rest. Fanny lead him on a tour of the grounds.
Horace Greeley
20 Cholera Strikes New… • 1848 Cholera Plague starts to spread in New York after several persons land in NYC • Mid July 500-800 died per week in NYC • “Bring out your dead!” • 1850 President Zachary Taylor died in office of Cholera • 10 Institute Students died • Other students sent home • Crosby stayed behind to nurse the sick • Helped Dr. J. W. G. Clements prepare cholera pills • 2/3 calomel & 1/3 opium • Depression • Sent home to rest President Zachary Taylor
21 Jenny Lind Starts US Tour…
• 1850 Jenny Lind starts US Tour lead by PT Barnum • Unexpectedly visits NY Institute for the Blind • Fanny recites her poem in honor of her visit • Memories of Lind’s artistry nurtured Crosby’s convictions about the power of music for good and helped shape her approach to writing song lyrics.
Her Heart Can See The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer 22 Conversion… • The weeks sped on until the autumn of 1850 when revival meetings were being held in the Thirtieth Street Methodist Church. Some of us went down every evening; and, on two occasions, I sought peace at the altar, but did not find the joy I craved, until one evening, November 20, 1850, it seemed to me that the light must indeed come then or never; and so I arose and went to the altar alone. After a prayer was offered, they began to sing the grand old consecration hymn, "Alas, and did my Saviour bleed, And did my Sovereign die?" And when they reached the third line of the fourth stanza, "Here Lord, I give myself away," my very soul was flooded with a celestial light. I sprang to my feet, shouting "hallelujah," and then for the first time I realized that I had been trying to hold the world in one hand and the Lord in the other. But my growth in grace was very slow from the beginning. …then I promised to do my duty whenever the dear Lord should make it plain to me.
23 George F. Root…
• 1853 George F. Root (NYIB Music teacher) • Will you write for me (Fanny)? • Worked together for 3 years • Composed more than 50 songs • Paid Fanny the agreed (typical for the day) amount
George F. Root
Memories of Eighty Years by Fanny J. Crosby 24 Alexander van Alstine, married Crosby in 1858… • Another member of the institute, a 11 year younger former pupil of hers Alexander van Alstine, married Crosby in 1858.
Considered one of New York’s best organists, he wrote the music to many of Crosby’s hymns. • Both resigned NYIB moved to Maspeth, NY • He thought it best to keep writing using her well-known maiden name • 1859 lost child returned to Manhattan in 1860
Galli, M., & Olsen, T. (2000). Introduction. In 131 Christians everyone should know Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers. 25 William B. Bradbury… • Composer & arranger and publisher • Owned William B. Bradbury Publishing Co. • Wanted people to praise God and to feel good about doing it • Helped introduce the organ into American churches. • 1864 Introduced to Fanny by Rev. Peter Stryker( FC 44 years old) • Wrote “We Are Going” William B. Bradbury
26 First Published Hymn… …on February 2, 1864, I presented myself at the office of William B. Bradbury, 425 Broome Street. To my surprise Mr. Bradbury said, "Fanny, I thank God that we have at last met; for I think you can write hymns; and I have wished for a long time to have a talk with you." …three days later I returned with some verses that were soon set to music and published as my first hymn. ….three of them I will quote here: "We are going, we are going To a home beyond the skies, Where the fields are robed in beauty, And the sunlight never dies; "Where the fount of joy is flowing In the valley green and fair. We shall dwell in love together; There shall be no parting there. "We are going, we are going, And the music we have heard, Like the echo of the woodland, Or the carol of a bird."
Her Heart Can See The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer 27 often, musicians came to her for lyrics…
• William Bradbury introduced Fanny to many important people such asWilliam Doane. He was an Inventor, Musician, “very successful businessman” and “lay Baptist leader”
He put 1000 of Fanny’s hymns to music • He dropped by her home for a surprise visit, begging her to put some words to a tune he had recently written and which he was to perform at an upcoming Sunday School convention. • The only problem was that his train to the convention was leaving in 35 minutes. He sat at the piano and played the tune. • “Your music says, ‘Safe in the Arms of Jesus,’ ” Crosby said, scribbling out the hymn’s words immediately. “Read it on the train and hurry. You don’t want to be late!” • The hymn became one of Crosby’s most famous. William Howard Doane Author of music to 131 Christians Everyone Should Know (Holman Reference) “To God Be The Glory” Amazing Grace—366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Words by Fanny Crosby)28 Contract, three hymns a week… • Though she was under contract to submit three hymns a week to her publisher (Main & Main , founded after Bradbury’s death), she often wrote six or seven a day (again, for a dollar or two each), many became incredibly popular. • When Dwight L. Moody and Ira Sankey began to use them in their crusades, they received even more attention. Among them are: • “Blessed Assurance,” “ • All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” • “To God Be the Glory,” • “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” • “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” • “Rescue the Perishing,” and • “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross.” Hubert Platt Main MA D.D. & Crosby
29 Mercy Crosby, Crosby, Morris… • Tough life: 1799 – 1890 • Brewster, NY; North Salem, NY; Ridgefield, CT; Bridgeport, CT • John Crosby, Thomas Morris • Raised in poverty, 20: Mother, Child Blinded, 21: Widow, Worked as a maid, 2nd husband Thomas abandoned her after 6 years to join Mormon founder Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, IL
30 Not a seat left in the house… • At 70, Moody invited Fanny to speak at his Bible Meetings but she declined opting to sit with the others • At one of the meetings Fanny was unable to find a seat in the crowed church, she was about to leave when Moody’s son Will told her he would find her a seat, the people were singing Blessed Assurance as he lead her into the chancel and onto the platform. • Moody stood up and raised his hand to interrupt the singing. “Praise the Lord, here comes the authoress”, he shouted. It was too late for Fanny to avoid a seat on the platform and she sat amid a thunderous ovation. She took the incident in good humor. Dwight L. Moody
Fanny Crosby by Bernard Ruffin 31 Publishers sent money to her caregivers… • Fanny often gave money away to the poor and lived in poverty • Both Bigelo & Main Publishers sent money for Fanny’s care even after she stopped writing for them. • Fanny would just give it away if they sent the $8 per week salary to her so they sent it to her sisters that she stayed with.
Fanny Crosby by Bernard Ruffin Her Heart Can See The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer
32 Grave stone she requested…
• Small, simple “Aunt Fanny (on top) She hath done what she could” Fanny J. Crosby
• The Townsfolk replaced that with….
33 Grave stone replaced with…
• In grateful and loving memory of • Fanny J. Crosby • Who inspired and edified Christians all over the world by the writing of more than 3000 hymns and poems… • Blessed assurance Jesus is mine! Oh what a foretaste of Glory Divine! Heir of salvation purchase of God, Born of the Spirit, washed in His blood.
34 Pseudonyms…
Adrienne, Cora Forrest, Mrs. Edna Prentice, Mrs. L.C. Alstyne, Fannie Jane Frances, Carrie Smiling, Mrs. Kate Andrews, A. E. Frances, Grace J. Smith, Sallie A. Apple, James Frances, Lillian G. Smith, Sallie E. Armstrong, Alice Frances, S. Trevor Smith, Sally Atherton, Rose Frances, Victoria Smith, Sam Bell, Carrie Garnet, Jenny Sterling, J. L. Bethune, Catherine Glen, Jenie Sterling, Julia Black, James Gould, Frank Sterling, Rian J. Black, James L. Grinley, Mrs. Kate Sterling, Ryan Black, James M. G. W. W. Sterling, Victoria Blair, H. E. Harmon, Ruth Stewart, Victoria Blair, Henrietta E. Hawthorn, Carrie Taylor, Ida Scott Booth, Florence Hope, Frances The Children’s Friend Bruce, Charles Hops, Frances Tilden, Louise W. Bruce, Robert James, Annie Tilden, Mary Burns, Charles James, Mary V., Jenny Carlston, Mary James, Sarah Van A., Mrs. Carlton, Leah J. F. O. Van Alstyne, Fannie Church, Fannie J. W. W. Van Alstyne, Fannie Jane Craddock, Eleanor Judson, Myra Van Alstyne, Mrs. Culyer, Lyman G. Lankton, Martha J. Van Alstyne, Mrs. Alexander Dale, Ella Lincoln, H. N. Viola Dayton, Flora Lindsay, W. Robert Wallace, Zemira D. D. L. L. A. Wilson, Carrie D. D. R. Lowry, Minnie B. Wilson, Mrs. C. M. Eliot, James Marion, Maude ## [yes, she sometimes used Edmonds, Lizzie Martin, S these marks instead of a Edwards, Lizzie Martin, Sallie name!] F. A. N. Martin, Sam ### F. J. C. Miller, Laura ‘*’ F. J. V. A. Montieth, A *** Fannie Montieth, Alice Fanny Park, Edna L. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/c/r/o/crosby_fj.htm 35 Contemporary Secular Critic… • In 1880 Hymnologist John Julian, D.D. wrote, under the heading of “Van Alstyne, Frances Jane”: “The combined sales of the volumes of songs and hymns named above have amounted in English-speaking countries to millions of copies. Notwithstanding the immense circulation thus given to Mrs. Van Alstyne’s hymns, that are, with few exceptions, very weak and poor, their simplicity and earnestness being their redeeming features. Their popularity is largely due to the melodies to which they are wedded.”
A Dictionary of Hymnology by John Julian, D.D. 4th Edition 1915 (first printed in 1880) 36 Adult religious views by Blumhofer … • “Crosby's …lyrics often brim with sentiment and nostalgia.” • Crosby manifested a sort of primal 19th century evangelicalism that, until clarified in 20th century conflicts (intellectual and otherwise), was fluid, imprecise, and evocative – inchoate* rather than rigid.
* Inchoate: [in-koh-it, -eyt or, esp. British, in-koh-eyt] adjective 1. not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary. Edith L. Blumhofer, Ph.D. 2. just begun; incipient. Professor of History, 3. not organized; lacking order: an inchoate mass of ideas on the subject. Wheaton College Origin of inchoate; Latin 1525-35; < Latin incho ā tus, variant of incoh ā tus past participle of incoh ā re to begin, start work on, perhaps equivalent to in- -in- 2+ coh (um) hollow of a yoke into which the pole is fitted + - ā tus -ate1
A Dictionary of Hymnology by John Julian, D.D. Her Heart Can See The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer 37 Fanny preferred simple, sentimental verses… • She preferred to write simple, sentimental verses that could be used for evangelism. She continued to write her poetry up to her death, a month shy of her ninety-fifth birthday… • “You will reach the river brink, some sweet day, bye and bye,” was her last stanza.
Osbeck, K. W. (1996). Amazing grace: 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions (p. 223)
38 Afterword… • Goal to see 1 million men come to Christ • Wrote diligently, some times multiple hymns per day. Account of 2 at the same time. Often until early morning. • 1977 Guinness Book of World Records as history’s most prolific hymnist • Served tirelessly in the Bowery City Missions • Gave to the poor all but the minimum she needed for necessities • Lived with the poor in poverty
39 • 1 Blessed assurance; Jesus is mine! Blessed Assurance Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. • Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, • 2 Perfect submission, perfect delight, praising my Savior all the day long; visions of rapture now burst on my this is my story, this is my song, sight; praising my Savior all the day long. angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. [Refrain]
• 3 Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. [Refrain]
Words by Fanny Crosby. Music by Phoebe Palmer Knapp 40