Our Christian Heritage goes “On Location” with the Hymn History of Fanny Crosby who penned “Safe In The Arms Of Jesus” and I Shall Know Him”.
Transcript:
We’re here in Bridgeport, Connecticut, at the P.T. Barnum Museum and Institute of Science and History. While Barnum is the city’s most famous showman, he’s not the only notable resident. Just a block away is the Bridgeport Public Library, which houses a wealth of materials on one of Barnum’s friends: the renowned blind hymnwriter Fanny Crosby.
Fanny Crosby (1820–1915) authored more than 3,000 hymns and poems—some estimates reach 8,000—making her one of the most prolific gospel songwriters in history. Inside the library, you’ll find newspaper clippings, books, hymnals, biographies, autobiographies, and even an autographed copy of one of her works. Remarkably, though blind from infancy (due to a medical mishap), Fanny learned to write by hand so she could sign her books personally.
We have much more to share about her life and legacy, but let’s start by visiting the home where she spent her final years—just about a mile from here in Bridgeport.
In 1900, Fanny moved from New York City to Bridgeport. By 1906, now a widow, she moved in with her sister Carrie and niece Julia at 226 Wells Street. She lived there quietly until her death. Early on the morning of February 12, 1915, at age 94, Fanny passed away peacefully. Her doctor listed the cause as arteriosclerosis, with a secondary cerebral hemorrhage.
Her funeral was held at the First Methodist Episcopal Church (now Golden Hill Methodist Church) on Elm Street in Bridgeport. The pastor, Reverend George M. Brown, delivered the eulogy, speaking to a congregation very familiar with their beloved parishioner. The service featured hymns of special significance: “Faith of Our Fathers, Living Still” (one of Fanny’s favorites), and two she wrote—”Someday the Silver Cord Will Break” and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus.”
“Safe in the Arms of Jesus” held deep personal meaning for Fanny. Many scholars believe it was composed during one of her life’s lowest points—after the death of her only child, a daughter who lived only a few weeks or months in 1858. Fanny rarely spoke of the loss, but the hymn reflects profound trust in Christ’s comfort amid sorrow. At the service’s close, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution distributed flowers to attendees. Fanny was a direct descendant of Mayflower passengers (including Elder William Brewster) and a deeply patriotic American who counted every U.S. president from John Quincy Adams to Woodrow Wilson among her friends.
From the church, her body was taken in procession to Mountain Grove Cemetery, where she was laid to rest.
Mountain Grove Cemetery was founded by P.T. Barnum himself in 1878, and his grand monument stands prominently here (you can see it behind the trees). Nearby is the life-sized statue marking the grave of General Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton), Barnum’s famous little performer. Across the path lies Fanny Crosby’s resting place.
Her original marker is simple: “Aunt Fanny – She hath done what she could” (echoing Mark 14:8). It’s a fitting, humble tribute to a phenomenal woman. But 40 years after her death, in the 1950s, her community felt a more fitting memorial was needed. They erected this monument in grateful and loving memory: “Fanny Crosby, who inspired and edified Christians all over the world by the writing of more than 3,000 hymns and poems. Born in Southeast, New York, March 24, 1820. Married March 5, 1855 to Alexander Van Alstyne. Died in Bridgeport, Connecticut, February 12, 1915.”
The monument also features the opening lines of her most famous hymn, “Blessed Assurance.” But perhaps another of her songs feels even more appropriate here: “My Savior First of All” (also known as “I Shall Know Him”).
Fanny once shared with friends in New York how she imagined meeting Jesus in heaven, despite never having seen Him on earth: “I’ll be looking for His smile.” When they replied that everyone in heaven would be smiling, she said, “Then I’ll ask to see His hands.” She explained she would know her Redeemer by the print of the nails in His hands. This inspired the hymn:
“When my lifework is ended, and I cross the swelling tide, When the bright and glorious morning I shall see; I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side, And His smile will be the first to welcome me.
Chorus: I shall know Him, I shall know Him, And redeemed by His side I shall stand; I shall know Him, I shall know Him, By the print of the nails in His hand.”