177 My God, I Thank Thee, Who Hast Made
Adelaide Anne Proctor, 1825-64
A hymn of pure gratitude, expressing thankfulness even for the trials of life. It is equally useful for the sick and the well.
Adelaide Anne Proctor was born in London, the daughter of Bryan W. Proctor, known in literary circles as “Barry Cornwall.” She possessed extraordinary intellectual power and was specially gifted in music and language. Miss Proctor contributed lyrics to Household Verses, edited by Chas. Dickens, who wrote with admiration of her verse making, her mental resources, humor, and works of beneficence. At 38 years of age her physical strength weakened and then followed 15 weary months of helplessness during which, however, she maintained her old cheerfulness with never a trace of depression or regret. She was brought up in the Church of England, but at the age of 26 united with the Roman Catholics. Her broad sympathies and deep religious convictions placed her above the dogmas of any one communion and enabled her to express the aspirations of all God’s children. Besides her hymns, Miss Proctor is best known as the author of the popular song, “The Lost Chord,” set to music by Arthur Sullivan.
MUSIC. WENTWORTH was composed for this hymn in The Bristol Tune Book, 2d series; 1876. The middle section of the tune, lines 3 and 4, passes from the Key of C to A minor, D major and G major, making an effective contrast to the opening and closing lines, in the key of C.
For comments on the composer, Frederick C. Maker, see Hymn 112.