Mary Artemisia Lathbury Grave

Author: Break Thou the Bread of Life

Come, O Creator, Spirit blest!
And in our souls take up Thy rest;
Come, with Thy grace and heavenly aid,
To fill the hearts which Thou has made.
Mary Artemisia Lathbury

The Origins of the Hymn “Break Thou the Bread of Life”

Among the many hymns that focus on God’s Word and its central place in the Christian life, “Break Thou the Bread of Life” holds a unique position. Often sung before the reading of Scripture or during communion services, the hymn is a prayerful meditation on the sustaining power of Christ as revealed in His Word. Its origin reflects the devotional spirit of the late nineteenth century and the collaboration of two people—Mary Artemisia Lathbury, who wrote the text, and William F. Sherwin, who composed its music.

The Hymn Writer: Mary Artemisia Lathbury

Mary Artemisia Lathbury (1841–1913) was an American poet and artist who became closely associated with the Chautauqua Movement. Born in Ontario County, New York, she grew up in a Methodist family and devoted much of her life to religious education and the arts. Lathbury was often called the “poet laureate of Chautauqua” because of her contributions to the summer assemblies that blended spiritual, cultural, and educational activities.

Lathbury’s talents as a writer and her deep personal faith combined to make her hymns both poetic and devotional. She is perhaps best remembered for two of her hymns: “Day Is Dying in the West” and “Break Thou the Bread of Life.” Both were written for use at Chautauqua gatherings, where thousands would gather for worship, study, and fellowship.

The Setting: The Chautauqua Movement

The Chautauqua Institution, founded in 1874 on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in western New York, began as a training center for Sunday school teachers but quickly grew into a broader cultural and spiritual movement. Hymn singing was a vital part of Chautauqua life, and new hymns were often composed for its services.

It was for one of these gatherings in 1877 that Lathbury wrote “Break Thou the Bread of Life.” The hymn was intended for a Bible study session, not primarily for use at the Lord’s Supper, though over time it came to be associated with both settings.

The Text of the Hymn

The title and imagery of the hymn are drawn from John 6:35, where Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger.” Lathbury’s text, however, emphasizes not the physical bread of communion but the spiritual nourishment found in Scripture and in Christ Himself.

The opening stanza prays:

“Break Thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word.”

These lines express a yearning not only to understand the words of Scripture but to encounter Christ, the Living Word, through them. In this way, the hymn becomes both a prayer for illumination and a confession of dependence on Christ for spiritual sustenance.

Later stanzas continue this theme, linking the study of God’s Word with the presence and power of Christ in the believer’s life. The hymn reflects the Chautauqua emphasis on Bible study while also transcending its immediate context to become a timeless devotional song.

The Composer: William F. Sherwin

The tune most often associated with “Break Thou the Bread of Life” was composed by William Fiske Sherwin (1826–1888). Sherwin was an American composer, singing teacher, and music director who worked closely with the Chautauqua Movement. He was a protégé of Lowell Mason, often called the “father of American church music,” and carried forward Mason’s emphasis on congregational singing.

Sherwin’s melody, simple and tender, provided the perfect setting for Lathbury’s meditative text. It allowed congregations to sing the hymn with both reverence and ease, ensuring its place in worship services.

Early Use and Publication

After its initial use at Chautauqua in 1877, “Break Thou the Bread of Life” was soon included in hymnals and song collections. Its popularity spread quickly among Protestant churches, especially those emphasizing personal Bible study and devotional life. While some congregations also began to use it during communion services, its original context as a hymn for Bible reading and study remained clear in its text.

The Hymn’s Enduring Appeal

What gives “Break Thou the Bread of Life” its enduring appeal is its focus on Christ as revealed in Scripture. The hymn acknowledges that Bible reading is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual encounter with the Living Word. It invites believers to move “beyond the sacred page” to experience fellowship with Christ Himself.

Because of this, the hymn continues to be sung in a variety of contexts: before Scripture readings, during times of devotion, and at communion services. Its prayerful tone makes it especially suited for moments when worshipers seek quiet reflection and renewal.

Conclusion

The hymn “Break Thou the Bread of Life” arose out of the Chautauqua Movement, a unique blend of education and spirituality in nineteenth-century America. Written by Mary Artemisia Lathbury for a Bible study gathering and set to music by William F. Sherwin, it has endured long after its original context.

Through its tender words and melody, the hymn continues to remind Christians that true nourishment comes from Christ, the Living Word, encountered through Scripture. More than a century after it was first sung on the shores of Lake Chautauqua, it remains a beloved prayer of devotion, asking the Lord to feed His people with the bread that never perishes.