This Week in Christian History: Fanny Crosby Dies, Vatican City Recognized

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Twitter

Fanny Crosby Dies - February 12, 1915

Famed blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby, (1820-1915).
Famed blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby, (1820-1915). | (Photo: Public Domain)

This week marks the anniversary of the death of prolific blind hymn writer Frances Jane Crosby, the mind behind such sacred songs as "Blessed Assurance," "To God be the Glory," "Near the Cross," and "Pass me not, O Gentle Savior."

Born in 1820, Crosby lost her sight as a child due to an infection and improper medical treatments. Despite her blindness, she became a notable writer of many hymn texts.

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According to the 2005 Encyclopedia of Protestantism, Crosby authored an estimated 8,000 hymns during her lifetime, set to popular music and many under different pseudonyms.

In addition to sacred music, she also had poetry published, with her first printed work being released in 1844 and titled "A Blind Girl And Other Poems."

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