Joseph M. Scriven facts for kids

Joseph Medlicott Scriven (born September 10, 1819 – died August 10, 1886) was an Irish-born Canadian poet. He is most famous for writing the poem that became the well-known hymn "What a Friend We Have Have in Jesus".

The Life of Joseph Scriven

Joseph Scriven was born in 1819 in Banbridge, County Down, Ireland. His parents were quite well-off. He studied at Trinity College Dublin and graduated in 1842.

A sad event happened in 1843. The night before he was to be married, his fiancée tragically drowned. In 1844, at age 25, Scriven left Ireland and moved to Canada. He settled in Woodstock, Ontario. He felt a strong spiritual calling to serve God through his Plymouth Brethren faith.

He stayed in Canada for a short time but became ill. He returned for good in 1847. For a few years, he ran a private school in Brantford.

Writing a Famous Hymn

In 1855, while staying near Port Hope, Ontario, he received news. His mother in Ireland was very sick. To comfort her, he wrote a poem called "Pray Without Ceasing". Later, Charles Crozat Converse set it to music. It became the famous hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".

Scriven never expected his poem to be published. He certainly didn't dream it would become a favorite hymn. Millions of Christians around the world sing it today.

Around 1857, he moved closer to Port Hope, Ontario. He fell in love again and planned to marry. However, in August 1860, his fiancée became ill with pneumonia and passed away.

After these losses, he spent the rest of his life helping others. He worked as a tutor and preached. In 1869, Scriven published a book of 115 Hymns and other verses. Interestingly, "What a Friend" was not included in this collection.

Joseph Scriven's Death

Joseph Scriven passed away in 1886 at age 66. He was very ill with a fever at the time. He had been staying at a friend's home to recover. It was a very hot night. He may have gone outside to cool down or get a drink.

His friend later reported what happened. "We left him about midnight," his friend said. "I went to a nearby room to watch and pray." The friend was surprised and upset to find Scriven's room empty later. After searching, his body was found in a nearby river. He was buried next to his second fiancée.

Remembering Joseph Scriven

Many people remember Joseph Scriven for his famous hymn.

His Grave

A tall stone monument stands on his grave. It has words from his song carved into it. The inscription also says:

This monument was erected to the memory of Joseph M. Scriven, B.A., by lovers of his hymn, which is engraved hereon, and is his best memorial. Born at Seapatrick, Co. Down, Ireland, 10 Sept. 1819, emigrated to Canada 1844. Entered into rest at Bewdley, Rice Lake, 10 August 1886, and buried here. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

Other Memorials

You can find a plaque on the Port Hope-Peterborough Highway. It mentions Scriven and the hymn. It also talks about Charles C. Converse, who wrote the music. Converse was a talented musician and composer. His simple music fit Scriven's words perfectly.

A local historian, J.Harris Rea, wrote about Joseph Scriven. He described Scriven as someone who lived a Christian life of service. Joseph was born on September 10, 1819. His father was Captain John Scriven. His mother was Jane Medlicott.

Today, there is a monument in Banbridge, Ireland. It was put up by the Banbridge District Council. A stained glass window was also dedicated to Joseph Scriven. Bishop Henry Scriven, a relative of Joseph, dedicated the window. Joseph had two brothers, George and John, and one sister, Catherine.