Joseph M. Scriven(1819-1886)
- Soundtrack
Irish poet Joseph Medlicott Scriven was born on September 10, 1819 at
Ballymoney Lodge in County Down, Northern Ireland. His parents were
Captain John Scriven and Jane Medlicott. Joseph graduated with a B.A.
degree from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland and embraced the
teachings of the Plymouth Brethren. In 1845 his fiancée drowned on the
night before they were to be married. A grief-stricken Scriven moved to
Canada where he settled in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada and worked as a
private tutor for local families. Joseph fell in love with a local
woman who suddenly fell ill with pneumonia and subsequently died. Known
by people in the Port Hope area as an eccentric, Scriven was
nonetheless a born philanthropist and devoutly religious man who freely
gave away what little money and clothing he had to impoverished people
in great need. In 1855 he wrote a poem called "Pray Without Ceasing" to
comfort his ailing mother. This poem was later set to music by attorney
and songwriter Charles Crozat Coverse and retitled "What a Friend We
Have in Jesus." "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" has since gone on to
become a well-regarded classic gospel hymn that's been covered by many
artists throughout the world. Joseph died at age 66 on August 10, 1886
in Pope Hope, Ontario, Canada.
