Eliza Edmunds Hewitt

28 June 1851—24 April 1920

MISS ELIZA EDMUNDS HEWITT was born in Philadelphia, Pa., June 28, 1851. She was educated in the Public Schools of that city and after graduation from the Girls’ High School, obtained a position as teacher. This career was cut short by the development of a spinal malady, which caused her to be a shut-in sufferer for many years. In course of time, a gradual improvement came about, and during a slow convalescence, the study of English literature, as in school-girl days, was her great delight. Wishing to be helpful to her Church, she wrote poems for its primary department, some of which attracted the attention of Prof. Jno. R. Sweney, at one time chorister of that church. However, writing did not fill all her desires for usefulness in the Master’s service, and it has been her privilege for some years, to be engaged in primary Sunday School work, and to take an active part in the Philadelphia Elementary Union. At present, she is Superintendent of the primary department of the Calvin Presbyterian church. There is no place where she is happier than in her beloved primary room, surrounded by her bright young teachers and loving scholars. In connection with this work, Miss Hewitt has contributed to various Sunday school periodicals, providing for the Reformed church its Golden Text stories and lesson suggestions.

Miss Hewitt’s hymns are the result of inspiration, the origin of which, to her, is often mysterious; she has never cared to keep a record, but their number is known to have passed into the thousands. The hymn, “Sunshine In My Soul,” was given wings, and circled the globe, coming back to its author with many beautiful stories of its use. The same is true of other of her hymns. Among the most popular have been, “Sunshine In My Soul,” “Will There Be Any Stars?” “Stepping in the Light,” “Not One Forgotten,” “More About Jesus,” “The Very Same Jesus.”

It was a glad day when Miss Hewitt met Fanny Crosby and their mutual love is a joy to both. During a visit to the Indians of the Onondaga Reservation, she was adopted into their tribe, and this relationship has led to unique and pleasant experiences. “After all, what hymns are so dear to us as the old church favorites? In looking over my life, would humbly and gratefully say: ’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

by Charles Gabriel
The Singers and Their Songs (1916)

Featured Hymns:

More about Jesus, would I know
My Savior died to open wide
When We All Get to Heaven

Related Resources:

A.J. Showalter, “E.E. Hewitt,” The Best Gospel Songs and Their Composers (Dalton, GA: A.J. Showalter Co., 1904): Archive.org

J.H. Hall, “Miss E.E. Hewitt,” Biography of Gospel Song and Hymn Writers (NY: Fleming H. Revell, 1914), pp. 344–347: Archive.org

Charles Gabriel, “Miss Eliza Edmunds Hewitt,” The Singers and Their Songs: Sketches of Living Gospel Hymn Writers (Chicago: Rodeheaver Co., 1916), pp. 13–15: Archive.org

William J. Reynolds, “Eliza Edmunds Hewitt,” Companion to Baptist Hymnal (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1976), p. 337.

Eliza E. Hewitt, Hymnary.org:
https://hymnary.org/person/Hewitt_EE

Published Works:

Note: For a detailed account of her published hymns, consult Hymnary.org

Gates of Zion: A Service of Praise and Thanksgiving (1892): WorldCat

“Glory, glory, the Christmas Angels sing” (Anthem, 1892): WorldCat

“Lessons from the clock” (song, 1892): WorldCat

Glory in the Highest: A Service of Bible Readings, Recitations and Music (1892): WorldCat

Christmas Garlands: An Exercise for Christmas (1892): WorldCat

“The Christmas bells are ringing” (Anthem, 1893): WorldCat

Lights, Earthly and Heavenly: A Children’s Day Service of Recitation and Music (1893): WorldCat

Among the Birds: A Children’s Day Service (1893): WorldCat

Voices of the Resurrection: An Easter Service of Song (1893): WorldCat

The Orient Star: An Exercise for Christmas (1893): WorldCat

“Our King, hath risen Victor” (Anthem, 1894): WorldCat

Christmas Sunbeams: A Service of Bible Readings, Recitations and Music (1894): WorldCat

“Rejoice and praise the Lord” (Anthem, 1894): WorldCat

Bethuel's Daughter, or Isaac and Rebekah: A Sacred Cantata (1894): WorldCat

Over the Fields: A Service for Children’s Day (1894): WorldCat

“Happy birthdays” (hymn, 1894): WorldCat

Silvery Echoes: Christmas Service (1894): WorldCat

Looking Sunward: Rays of Light for Darkened Rooms (1895): Archive.org

The King Triumphant: An Easter Service (1895): WorldCat

Around the World with Christmas: A Christmas Exercise (1895): WorldCat

Dew Drops: Comprising New Songs, Hymns, etc. for Young Singers (1895): WorldCat

The Arch of Promise: A Service (1896): WorldCat

Easter Harmonies: A Service (1896): WorldCat

Isaac and Rebekah: A Sacred Cantata (1897): WorldCat

Summer’s Happy Children: An Exercise for Children’s Day (1901): WorldCat

“When we stand before the King” (song, 1904): WorldCat

“The Soldier’s Dream of Home” (song, 1905): WorldCat

He is Risen: An Easter Service (1906): WorldCat

“At the close of the day” (song, 1907): WorldCat

“I'm trusting Him; He’s holding me” (song, 1908): WorldCat

The Spirit of Christmas: A Christmas Service (1909): WorldCat

“Onward and upward” (hymn, 1909): WorldCat

“Onward, ye soldiers of Jesus” (1910): WorldCat

Fair Fragrant Flowers: A New Children’s Day Service (1910): WorldCat

The King Wonderful: A Service for Christmas (1912): WorldCat

The Ladder of Life: A Scriptural Service for Children’s Day (1913): WorldCat

“My heart breathes a welcome” (song, 1913): WorldCat

“Coming to Jesus” (song, 1913): WorldCat

“A rainbow on a cloud” (song, 1914): WorldCat

The Christmas Sky: A Christmas Service (1914): WorldCat

“The rolling ball” (song, 1913): WorldCat

“The lumbermen” (song, 1914): WorldCat

“The Alpine horn” (song, 1914): WorldCat

“Blossom bells” (hymn, 1915): WorldCat

“Hail Emmanuel!” (song, 1916): WorldCat

“The promises of Jesus” (song, 1916): WorldCat

“Upward, still upward” (song, 1916): WorldCat

“Praise the Lord, hallelujah” (hymn, 1916): WorldCat

“Keep our colors waving” (song, 1917): WorldCat

“Flag of the true” (song, 1917): WorldCat

Easter Tidings: A Service for Easter (1917): Archive.org

“The old, old home” (1917): WorldCat

Elsie’s Christmas Party: A Cantata for Small Children (1917): WorldCat

The Flag of the Cross: A Rally Day Service (1918): WorldCat

Flags and Flowers: A Children’s Day Service (1918): WorldCat