Fanny Crosby, born Frances Jane Crosby, was an American hymnwriter and poet. She was born on March 24, 1820, in Brewster, New York, and passed away on February 12, 1915. Fanny Crosby is best known for her prolific hymn-writing, having penned thousands of hymns over her lifetime, making her one of the most prolific hymnists in history.
Despite being blind from shortly after birth, Crosby displayed remarkable musical talent and a deep faith from a young age. She attended the New York Institute for the Blind in New York City, where she later became a teacher.
Fanny Crosby wrote her first hymn at the age of eight, and her hymnwriting career continued for many decades. Some of her most famous hymns include:
- “Blessed Assurance”
- “To God Be the Glory”
- “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior”
- “Rescue the Perishing”
- “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”
- “All the Way My Savior Leads Me”
“Blessed Assurance” is particularly well-known and continues to be sung in churches around the world. Fanny Crosby’s hymns are characterized by their rich theological content, simplicity, and heartfelt expressions of faith.
Throughout her life, Fanny Crosby was a committed Christian and actively involved in various Christian denominations, including the Methodist Episcopal Church. She worked with many prominent hymn composers of her time, such as William H. Doane and Ira D. Sankey.
Fanny Crosby’s hymns have left a lasting legacy, and her contributions to Christian music are celebrated to this day. Her life and work serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the profound impact that one person can have on the world through faith and creativity.
