Joseph M. Scriven (1819-1886)

The famous hymn *What a friend we have in Jesus

was written by Joseph Scriven -read the story below

Sunday 15th September, 2019 Banbridge , in County Down, celebrated the bi-centenary of Joseph’s death. The Anglican Bishop Henry Scriven, the great-great nephew attended the 6.30.pm service and a stained glass window dedicated to Joseph.

Joseph was born in Banbridge, County Down, Ireland. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1842.

In 1843, the day before he was due to marry, his fiancee accidentally drowned. He migrated to Canada in 1845 to escape from the religious influence of the Plymouth Brethren who were estranging him from his family. He became ill and returned to Ireland to join the Royal Dragoons and spent time in the Middle East.
He returned to Canada in 1947.

In 1855 he received news that his mother was seriously ill. He wrote her a poem to comfort her Pray Without Ceasing. It was later set to music and renamed by Charles Crozat Converse and became the hymn What a friend we have in Jesus. Joseph had no idea when he wrote it that it would be published and become a favourite among millions of Christians.

In 1857 he moved to Port Hope, Ontario, Canada. He again fell in love. He became engaged to Catherine Roche but in August 1860 she died of pneumonia. She had contracted it after a baptism in icy waters. They were due to get married in a few weeks time.

Joseph devoted the rest of his life to tutoring, preaching and helping others.
In 1869 he published a collection of 115 hymn sand other verses.

In 1886 Joseph, aged 66, died by drowning. It is not known whether it was accidental or suicide since he was in a serious depression at the time. We left him about midnight. A friend found his room empty and with other friends went to search for him. It was not until the afternoon that his body was discovered in the water nearby, lifeless and cold in death, He was buried with Catherine in Bewdley. Ontario

In many respects he led a tragic life. His many hymns will continue to be sung.
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bare! What a privilege to carry everything to God in Prayer. Amen

Memorials
tall obelisk over his grave, a plaque on the POrt Hope-Peterborough Highway, a monument on Downshire place and a stained glassed window in Banbridge church.

Lucas media L.L.C, released a full length documentary Friends in Jesus, The Stories and Hymns of Cecil Francis Alexander and Joseph Scriven, in 2011. Lasts 45mins. - details his life and influence on popular hymns.

Sources used
BelfastTelegraph.co.uk
Hymnary.org
wikipedia