Sanford Fillmore Bennett (1836–1898) was an American songwriter and poet, best known for writing the lyrics to the hymn “In the Sweet By-and-By.” He was born on June 15, 1836, in Genoa, New York, and later in life, he became associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Bennett worked as a teacher, editor, and later as an administrator in the public school system. Despite his involvement in education, he is most widely remembered for his hymn-writing contributions.
“In the Sweet By-and-By” is Bennett’s most famous work, and it was written in collaboration with Joseph Philbrick Webster, a composer. The hymn was first published in 1868. The song reflects the Christian belief in the hope of a better life in heaven and the reunion with loved ones.
The refrain of the hymn goes:
“In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore; In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore.”
This hymn gained popularity and has been sung in churches and recorded by various artists over the years. It remains a classic in the genre of Christian hymnody.
Sanford Fillmore Bennett passed away on May 5, 1898, but his legacy lives on through the enduring impact of “In the Sweet By-and-By.”
