Mary Ann Pepper Kidder Grave

Hymn History: Is My Name Written There?  & Author: Mary Ann Pepper Kidder

“Mary Ann (Pepper) Kidder … was a Civil War widow in New York City whose pastime of writing poetry became the primary support of her family. … She, Crosby, and Pollard were referred to as ‘the Trio’ at the Biglow & Main publishing house because of their standing as the go-to lyricists.”
(David Russell Hamrick)

The Origin of the Hymn “Is My Name Written There?”

Among the many hymns that stir the heart to self-examination and spiritual reflection, “Is My Name Written There?” stands out for its haunting question and tender appeal. Written in the 19th century by Mary A. Kidder, this hymn speaks to one of the most profound themes in Christian faith—the assurance of salvation and the hope of having one’s name recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. With its gentle melody and earnest lyrics, the song continues to inspire believers to seek a personal relationship with Christ and to rest in the assurance of His saving grace.

The Hymnwriter: Mary Ann Pepper Kidder

Mary Ann Pepper Kidder (1820–1905) was one of the most prolific female hymnwriters of the 19th century, though her name is not as widely recognized today as some of her contemporaries. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she experienced hardship early in life when she lost her sight temporarily due to illness. Through this experience, she learned to depend on the Lord and later recovered her vision, an event that deepened her gratitude and faith.

Kidder was a devoted wife and mother who also possessed a quiet literary gift. Encouraged by her pastor and Christian friends, she began writing sacred poetry and hymns in the mid-1800s. Over the years, she wrote more than 100 hymns, many of which were published by leading gospel composers such as William B. Bradbury, Robert Lowry, and Ira D. Sankey. Her hymns were marked by simplicity, warmth, and deep personal devotion—qualities that made them beloved in both Sunday schools and revival meetings.

Her other well-known hymns include “Did You Think to Pray?” and “We Shall Meet Beyond the River.” Yet, it is “Is My Name Written There?” that best captures her tender heart for the gospel and her concern for the eternal souls of her listeners.

The Inspiration Behind the Hymn

The inspiration for “Is My Name Written There?” likely came from Luke 10:20, where Jesus told His disciples, “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” The imagery of one’s name being inscribed in God’s heavenly book of life appears throughout Scripture, including in Exodus 32:32, Daniel 12:1, Philippians 4:3, and Revelation 20:12. This biblical theme—having one’s name written or blotted out—has long symbolized salvation and eternal security.

In the mid-19th century, the concept of personal assurance of salvation was a common theme in American evangelical hymnody. Revival movements emphasized the need for individual repentance, faith, and confidence in one’s standing before God. Within this context, Kidder’s hymn invited worshipers to examine their hearts sincerely and seek the assurance that their names were indeed “written there.”

The hymn’s first stanza begins with a sense of awe and longing:

Lord, I care not for riches,
Neither silver nor gold;
I would make sure of heaven,
I would enter the fold.

This opening reveals the songwriter’s spiritual priorities—eternal security above all earthly wealth or fame. The refrain then poses the searching question that defines the entire hymn:

Is my name written there,
On the page white and fair?
In the book of Thy kingdom,
Is my name written there?

These words reflect both the humility and the hope of a believer who trusts in the mercy of Christ yet desires full assurance of acceptance in His sight.

Musical Setting and Publication

The music most often associated with “Is My Name Written There?” was composed by Frank M. Davis (1839–1896), a respected American composer and teacher of gospel music. Davis’s melody perfectly complements Kidder’s reflective text, balancing the hymn’s tone of solemn introspection with gentle assurance. The song likely first appeared in the late 1870s or early 1880s in gospel song collections used in churches and Sunday schools across the United States.

Its simplicity and heartfelt appeal helped it spread quickly through revival meetings and evangelistic campaigns. It became a favorite invitation hymn—sung at the close of sermons when preachers urged listeners to come forward and make their peace with God. The question, “Is my name written there?” was not meant to provoke fear, but to awaken faith and a desire for salvation.

Themes and Spiritual Significance

At its heart, “Is My Name Written There?” is a hymn about assurance and grace. It speaks to the believer’s desire to know that his or her name is safely inscribed in God’s eternal record—not through human merit, but through the redeeming blood of Christ. The second stanza of the hymn expresses this hope beautifully:

My sins, they are many,
Like the sands of the sea,
But Thy blood, O my Savior,
Is sufficient for me.

This acknowledgment of sin and faith in Christ’s sufficiency captures the essence of the gospel message. The hymn reminds believers that while all have sinned, Christ’s sacrifice secures their eternal redemption.

The final stanza lifts the focus to heaven itself, where the believer’s name, once written by grace, can never be erased:

O that beautiful city,
With its mansions of light,
With its glorified beings,
In pure garments of white.

This vision of eternal joy and belonging gave the hymn its enduring emotional power. It became a song not only of introspection but also of assurance—a declaration of faith in the One who promises eternal life to all who believe.

A Lasting Legacy

More than a century after its writing, “Is My Name Written There?” continues to move hearts. It is sung less frequently in modern worship services, but its message remains timeless. The hymn invites every believer to ponder life’s most important question—one that transcends wealth, position, or earthly achievement.

Mary A. Kidder’s simple yet profound lyrics remind us that heaven’s record is not kept by our good works, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And in times of doubt or fear, her hymn still offers the reassurance of God’s promise: that those who trust in Christ have their names written forever in the Book of Life.