PHILLIP BLISS (1838-1876)
Had it not been for a tragic train wreck in 1876, Phillip Bliss may have gone on to become the greatest hymn writer in church history. Yet, living a short life of only thirty-eight years, he ranks right alongside Fanny Crosby and Charles Wesley for his great contributions to the cause of Christ.
He wrote such greats as Wonderful Words of Life, Almost Persuaded, Hold the Fort, Let the Lower Lights Be Burning, My Redeemer, I Gave My Life for Thee and It Is Well With My Soul. Phillip Bliss was born into a Methodist family in Pennsylvania. As a child he loved music, especially piano, but his poor family couldn’t afford to purchase one.
He received Christ as his Saviour in 1850 and joined the Baptist church at Cherry Flats, Pennsylvania.
During his teenage years he worked at various jobs to help pay for his schooling. In 1857 he met the famous hymn composer William Bradbury. Bradbury convinced him to give himself to God in full time service, so he decided to become a music teacher and began his studies.
He married Lucy Young in 1859. She also had a music background and assisted him greatly in his work. They even sang together at church services.
He continued his music studies and began teaching music by traveling house to house working with his pupils. In 1864 the Blisses moved to Chicago where he began turning out music regularly and making good money for it. In 1865 he went to work for the Chicago Music House. He assisted D.L. Moody in some Sunday evening services, but turned down an opportunity to travel with Moody to England.
In 1873, Moody sent Bliss a letter encouraging him to devote all of his time to evangelistic singing, and he gave it a try in March of 1874 at a friend’s revival service. As Bliss sang Almost Persuaded for an invitation, the Holy Spirit began moving and souls began coming to Christ. Afterwards he gave up all secular activity and became a song evangelist. He also worked with children at the meetings and sometimes preached.
He published a hymn book, entitled Gospel Songs, and he worked with Ira Sankey on Gospel Songs and Sacred Solos.
Phillip Bliss and his wife died in a train wreck on December 29, 1876, near Ashtabula, Ohio. A trestle collapsed under the train, sending it seventy-five feet into the icy waters. Phillip actually escaped, but then burned to death in an effort to save his wife.
-James L Melton
