William Orcutt Cushing (1823-1902) was an American minister and hymn writer. After the death of his wife in 1870 and with declining health...
William Orcutt Cushing (1823-1902) was an American minister
and hymn writer. After the death of his wife in 1870 and with declining health,
he retired from the ministry and began writing hymns. He wrote over 300 hymns,
including "Under His Wings," "When He Cometh," "Ring
the Bells of Heaven", "Follow On," and "Hiding in
Thee."
The subject of this sketch, William Orcutt Cushing, was born
in Hingham, Massachusetts, [United States], December 31, 1823. His parents were
Unitarians, and his early training was along these lines, having studied with
the Unitarian minister at his home town. William was a most noble and
thoughtful boy, and when he became old enough to read the Bible and think for
himself, he joined the Christian Church.
When eighteen years of age he decided to prepare for the
ministry, feeling that he had a call from God to that work. After completing
his education he entered upon the work for his Master. Mr. Cushing's first
pastorate was at Searsburg, N.Y. While
here he became acquainted with Miss Hena
Proper, and was married to her February 4, 1854. She proved to be a great help
to him in his gospel work. After serving at Searsburg for several years, he was
at different times pastor at Auburn, Brooklyn, Buffalo, and Sparta, N.Y. During
these years of faithful work, Mrs. Cushing's health failed; they then returned
to Searsburg, where he again served as pastor for several years.
After a long illness through which he cared tenderly for
her, Mrs. Cushing died July 13, 1870. Soon after her death, creeping paralysis
seized upon Mr. Cushing, and he was compelled to retire from the ministry.
As a pastor, he was very successful, and dearly beloved by
both old and young; he was also a great worker in the Sunday-school. After
being incapacitated for active ministerial work, his prayer was, "Lord,
still give me something to do for Thee!" In answer to this prayer he was
permitted to write many of the world's best known gospel poems. Rev. W. O.
Cushing wrote over three hundred hymns that have been set to music by some of
the most distinguished composers of this country, including Dr. Geo. F. Root,
Rev. Robert Lowry, Ira D. Sankey, H.P. Main and others. Perhaps the most widely
known of his hymns are the following: "Ring the Bells of Heaven,"
"We are Waiting, We are Watching," "When He Cometh," "
Hiding in Thee," "Do They Know?" "There'll Be No Dark
Valley," "When Jesus Comes," "Down in the Valley,"
"Beautiful Valley of Eden," "I am Waiting by the River,"
"The Name of Jesus," "Fair is the Morning Land,"
"Gathering Home to the Silent Shore." His hymns have added a rich
contribution to American hymnology, and are sung wherever the gospel in song
may be found.
Mr. Cushing was a most noble, sweet spirited Christian
gentleman. To know him was to love him. He was ever mindful of the suffering of
others, but was oblivious to his own. It was a characteristic of his life to
minister to the wants of others, and trust the Lord to supply his own. At one
time he gave a thousand dollars, which was all he had, to a blind girl that she
might secure an education. He was instrumental in the erection of the Seminary
at Starkey, N.Y., and also gave material aid to the school for the blind at
Batavia.
Mr. Cushing was poor in purse, but rich in spirit; homeless,
but not friendless. The last thirteen years of his life were spent in the home
of Rev. and Mrs. E. E. Curtis, Lisbon Center, N.Y. While living with these good
people, he united with the Wesleyan Methodist Church. He died October 19, 1902.
His life was an inspiration to all who knew him, and his death was that of the
righteous.
Hymns:
·
Follow On (music: Robert Lowry)
·
Hiding in Thee (music: Ira D. Sankey)
·
Ring the Bells of Heaven! (music: George F.
Root)
·
There'll Be No Dark Valley (music: Ira D.
Sankey)
·
Under His Wings (music: Ira D. Sankey)
·
When He Cometh (music: George F. Root)
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