Name That Hymn Trivia Quiz

Answer: How Firm a Foundation

This old hymn has been a favorite among Christians since it was first published in "Rippon's Selections of Hymns" in 1787 by Dr. John Rippon, a Baptist minister in London. The tune is that of a popular early American melody. The hymn was supposedly one of President Andrew Jackson's favorites. The lyrics are based on Isaiah 43: 1-5 (source of information: www.hymnaudio.com).

Answer: It Is Well With My Soul

Horatio G. Spafford (1828-1888) was a dedicated Christian businessman from Chicago, Illinois. In 1871, financial tragedy struck when Spafford lost virtually all of his fortune in the Great Chicago Fire. But even greater tragedy followed: in 1873, Spafford's wife and four daughters were traveling to France when the ship they were on collided with another liner. Spafford's four daughters died in the collision. Upon arriving in London, Spafford's wife, Anna, sent him a telegram stating, "Saved alone." As soon as possible, Spafford traveled by ship to be with Anna and penned the words of "It Is Well With My Soul" when told that his ship was very near the place where his daughters died. Less well known is the story of Philip Bliss (1838-1876), whose melody accompanied Spafford's verse.

After spending Christmas with family and holding several prayer meetings, Bliss and his wife were traveling by train back to Chicago. When a trellis failed, the train plunged seventy feet into a ravine and caught fire. Bliss was able to escape from the wreckage, but when he realized that his wife was hopelessly trapped, he chose to stay-and die-with her in the fire. Bliss was only 37 and already the author and/or composer of numerous well-loved hymns such as "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning," "Almost Persuaded," and "Wonderful Words of Life" (sources of information: www.hymnaudio.com and www.wholesomewords.org).

Answer: Blessed Assurance

The lyrics of this beautiful hymn were written by Fanny J. Crosby, who authored more than 8,000 hymns. According to Hymn History website, Fanny Crosby recalled the following story about the hymn's creation: "Mrs. Joseph Fairchild Knapp, wife of the organizer of the Metropolitan Life Insurance company, went to visit her [Fanny Crosby] and get an opinion of a tune Mrs. Knapp had written. "What does it say to you, Fanny?" she asked. Fanny's answer was "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine." And then a few minutes later she handed to Mrs. Knapp the completed lyrics of the hymn" (http://schaefer-family.com/hymns.htm).

Answer: I Surrender All

Judson W. Van DeVenter (1855-1939), the author of "I Surrender All," recalled the events which inspired him to write this beloved hymn: "The Spirit of God was urging me to give up teaching and to enter the evangelistic field, but I would not yield. I still had a burning desire to be an artist.

This battle raged for five years. At last the time came when I could hold out no longer and I surrendered my all-my time and my talents. It was then that a new day was ushered into my life. I wrote "I Surrender All" in memory of the time when, after the long struggle, I had surrendered and dedicated my life to active Christian service for the Lord" (source: Bill Dagle, www.songtime.com).

Answer: Sweet Hour of Prayer

William W. Walford (1772-1850) was a Congregational minister in England. Although blind and having little formal education, Walford established himself as a powerful preacher with a reputation for knowing the Bible by heart. Walford's words were set to the music of William B. Bradbury (1816-1868), who also wrote the melodies for other well-known hymns such as "Jesus Loves Me," "He Leadeth Me," and "The Solid Rock" (source: www.cyberhymnal.com).

Answer: The Solid Rock

In 1834, Edward Mote (1797-1874) visited a friend and his very ill wife. After reading scriptures together, the three of them wanted to sing a hymn, but were unable to locate a hymnal in the house. Mote commented that he had written the words of a song earlier in the week and that he had the verses in his pocket.

He shared the words of "The Solid Rock" with the sick woman and her husband. She was very moved by the verses and encouraged Mote to publish the song. "The Solid Rock" was first published in Mote's "Hymns of Praise" in 1836 (Source: www.cyberhymnal.com).

Answer: His Eye Is on the Sparrow

In 1905, Civilla D. Martin and her husband visited two good friends, Mr. & Mrs. Doolittle. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden with illness for over twenty years, and her husband was wheelchair-bound with an incurable illness. Mr. and Mrs. Martin marveled at the Doolittles' gentle grace and hopeful spirit.

When asked how they could be so happy, Mr. Doolittle replied, "His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me." The line stayed with Civilla Martin and motivated her to pen the words to "His Eye Is On the Sparrow." Charles Gabriel set the words to music (source: www.cyberhymnal.com).

Answer: 'Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus

The author of these lyrics, Louisa Stead (1850-1917), was widowed at an early age when her husband drowned while attempting to rescue a young child from Long Island Sound. After her husband's death, Louisa and her young daughter, Lily, experienced serious poverty. During one of these difficult times, someone anonymously left food and money on the Steads' doorstep. Louisa wrote "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" after that act of kindness. Later, both Louisa and Lily became missionaries in South Africa (Source: (http://schaefer-family.com/hymns.htm).

Answer: All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

The words to "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" were penned by Edward Perronet (1726-1792), a friend and co-worker of John and Charles Wesley. Carl Price in his book, "One Hundred and One Hymn Stories" tells a remarkable story concerning this hymn: Rev. E. P. Scott, a missionary in India, wanted to evangelize a particularly remote and violent village.

His friends warned him of the extreme danger, but Scott persisted. When he finally encountered these villagers, they surrounded him and threatened him with spears. Scott had no weapon; instead he closed his eyes and began playing the violin and singing, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." When he opened his eyes, expecting to be killed, he realized that the tribal members had dropped their spears. Eventually, Scott was able to evangelize the villagers (Price's story is retold in www.cyberhymnal.com).

Answer: Rock of Ages

Rev. Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778) was enjoying a long walk in the English countryside one day when a severe storm developed. Toplady sought protection under "the cleft" of a large rock. This beautiful old hymn has been sung at the funerals of many people, among the most famous being William Gladstone, Prince Albert of England, and Benjamin Harrison (Source: www.cyberhymnal.com).