This week in Christian history: Salvation Army arrives in US; John of God born
Civilla Durfee Martin dies – March 9, 1948
This week marks the anniversary of when Civilla Durfee Martin, a prolific hymn writer whose works include “His Eye is on the Sparrow” and “God will take care of you,” died at age 81.
A native of Jordan Falls, Nova Scotia, Canada, Martin was said to have written hundreds of religious songs, often collaborating with her husband, Walter Stillman Martin.
A chronically ill individual, Martin spent most of her time at home while her husband served as a traveling evangelist. She spent the last 29 years of her life living in Atlanta, Georgia.
“In her writing, she used only her initials, ‘C.D.’ rather than her full name of that of her composer-husband,” explained Hymnary. “She is reputed to have written several hundred hymns and religious songs. Her first one, ‘God Will Take Care of You,’ written in 1904 became world-famous.”
“‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’ written in 1906 and set to music by Charles H. Gabriel, has also received wide acclaim. In addition to the above, ‘Like As A Father,’ ‘A Welcome for Me,’ and ‘The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power’ are among her better-known hymns.”
