May 13, 2017 (Saturday)
(From Wikipedia:) “Civilla Durfee Martin (August 21, 1866 – March 9, 1948) was a Canadian-American writer of many religious hymns and gospel songs in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Her husband, Walter Stillman Martin (1862-1935), studied ministry at Harvard University, where he became a Baptist minister but later switched to the Disciples of Christ. Together they created hymns and songs which have become widely known. Some of her most popular pieces include “God Will Take Care of You”, “One of God’s Days”, “Going Home”, “The Old Fashioned Way”, and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.”
One day in 1904 when she was ill and unable to accompany her husband to a preaching appointment, he volunteered to stay at home to care for her. Then their son spoke, reminding his father, “God will take care of mother while you are away.” Later that morning she sat down and wrote the words of the hymn, “God Will Take Care of You.” This became the first of her hymns.
Years ago, when First Baptist Church, Rockport, was still located downtown, a small nursing home was located directly across the street, and we conducted a little worship service there with a tiny group every Sunday afternoon. This was a hymn we sang at nearly every service.