Take a young woman with great musical and linguistic talent and pair that with a strong desire to see the lost saved. She would sing only sacred music and wrote her lyrics with the specific intent to proclaim the gospel to the lost. She ministered to many in her own day and still encourages believers today through her hymns. Who is this young woman, you may ask?
Frances Ridley Havergal, born on December 14, 1836, was the youngest daughter of Reverand Henry and Jane Head Havergal. She quickly learned how to read and write not just English, but Greek, Hebrew, and other languages as well. Her father, also a musician and hymn writer, had much influence on her writing career through the years. Havergal's childhood would be forever changed when her mother, Jane, passed away when Frances was only eleven years old. Three years later, Havergal would come to faith in Christ.
Havergal had special talent in both music and language. She wrote poetry, authored books and pamphlets, played piano, sang, and memorized large portions of the Bible. She lived with her family all her life and used music to serve and encourage many around her.
One of Havergal's most popular hymns is Take My Life and Let It Be, which she desired to be the theme of her life. She desired that all she accomplished would be for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. Not only did Havergal write hymns, but she also ministered directly to many around her. Despite poor health, she taught Sunday schools, served others (including her siblings), and led people to the Savior.
Frances Havergal passed away at the age of 42 on June 3, 1879. She lived a simple life focused on bringing others to Christ by using the talents she had, acknowledging that they were given to her by her Creator for the purpose of serving Him. May we all share this same resolve each and every day!
Piano solo sheet music for hymns by Frances Ridley Havergal:
- Like a River Glorious (Late Intermediate)
- May the Mind of Christ, My Savior / Take My Life and Let It Be (Late Intermediate)
Information adapted from:
https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bhavergal7.html
https://banneroftruth.org/us/resources/articles/2005/the-life-of-francis-ridley-havergal-1836-1879/
https://www.havergaltrust.com/about-f-r-h/
http://hymntime.com/tch/bio/h/a/v/e/havergal_fr.htm
https://hymnary.org/person/Havergal_Frances
https://www.challies.com/hymn-stories/hymn-stories-take-my-life-and-let-it-be/