Eliza E. Hewitt

Eliza Edmunds Hewitt was born and educated in Philadelphia, Pa., and has always lived in that historic city. After her graduation from the normal school she began teaching, but this career was cut short by a serious spinal trouble, which rendered her a shut-in sufferer for a number of years. After a long period of pain and helplessness, health was gradually restored, but she has ever since been subject to physical limitations and occasional illnesses. While an invalid, she wrote a hymn for her pastor, Kev. Henry C. McOook, D. D., entitled ” Winning Souls For Jesus.” A copy of this hymn was placed in the corner-stone of the beautiful Tabernacle Church (Presbyterian), in West Philadelphia.

After this she wrote some motion songs for a friend to use in a primary Sunday-school. Some of her work came into the hands of the late Prof. J. R. Sweney, who wrote to her, asking for contributions. This was the beginning of her public work. Her labors were soon increased by the acquaintance of Prof. W. J. Kirkpatrick. For him she has written more extensively than for any other composer. Professor Sweney furnished music for some of her most popular hymns, such as ” There is Sunshine In My Soul,” ” Will There Be Any Stars,” and ” More About Jesus.” Professor Kirkpatrick wrote to such favorites as ” Stepping In the Light,” ” A Blessing in Prayer,” ” The Very Same Jesus,” “Beautiful Robes,” etc. Prof. J. H. Hall wrote music for several of Miss Hewitt’s hymns ; perhaps the most popular of these are : ” Go and Tell Others the Story,” ” A Message From the King,” and ” Helpers are Needed.” One of Miss Hewitt’s hymns, “Not One Forgotten ” (the original ” Sparrow Song “), is especially dear to its author because of circumstances attending its composition, as well as its frequent use in hospital and other ministrations of love. It is always a great joy to hear of a blessing upon one’s work, however humble that w^ork may be, and Miss Hewitt is deeply grateful for the incidents that have come to her knowledge in connection with the use of her hymns. These incidents relate to every portion of our ow^n beloved land, and also to the ” uttermost parts of the earth.” She has grouped these stories in a talk called ” Around the World on the Wings of Song.”

As time went on and strength increased. Miss Hewitt was able to take up the delightful work of Sunday-school teaching ; she has a class of two hundred children. Her interest in this line led her to become a regular contributor to Sunday-school Helfs^ and to write poems and stories for children’s papers.

She is a member of the Philadelphia Primary Union, often teaching the lesson there, and in other places.

Miss Hewitt is also interested, as should be every Christian, in missionary work, and frequently gives talks on missionary subjects in her own city and elsewhere.

The many pleasant friendships that have been formed with other writers, composers and publishers, are greatly appreciated by Miss Hewitt. No one feels more deeply than she the imperfections of he]* work, but such as it is, she lays at the Master’s feet. He who multiplied the lad’s loaves deigns to bless our humble offerings, and to use them in His service. To His name be the praise.