Hymn History

I have signed up to submit hymn histories for my church's denominational monthly publication (one per month). I thought since it was the beginning of the year, I would look for something that was related. Here is some info about Frances Havergal , the author of Another Year is Dawning. Happy New Year!

ANOTHER YEAR IS DAWNING
Words: Frances Ridley Havergal, 1874
Music: Aurelia, Samuel S. Wesley, in a Se­lect­ion of Psalms and Hymns, by C. Kem­ble, 1864

Frances Ridley Havergal, a well known British hymn writer, considered every New Year’s Day to be an opportunity of rededication to Christ. In 1874, Frances wrote the poem “Another Year is Dawning” and had it printed on specially designed cards to send to each of her friends. Over the poem was the caption, “A Happy New Year! Ever such may it be!”

The hymn was later in­clud­ed in her Un­der the Sur­face, 1874, and Life Chords, 1880. When Frances was asked about the process of how she wrote her hymns, she always gave the credit to the LORD, whom she called her King. Her response was as follows:

“I believe my King suggests a thought,

and whispers me a musical line or two, and then I look up and thank Him delightedly and go on with it.

This is how my hymns come.”

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,

Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,

Another year of training for holier work above.

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be

On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.