Winfred Scott Weeden was born in Middleport, Ohio, on March 29, 1847.
Early in life he showed musical ability, later teaching singing in schools, and as song leader and soloist in churches. Various Christian organisations also used his talents in their conventions.
His friend, Judson Van de Venter, launched into full-time evangelistic work, preaching throughout the United States as well as England and Scotland. Winfield Scott Weeden became his associate and soloist.
Billy Graham, in Crusade Hymn Stories, tells of Rev. J. Van de Venter, “who influenced my early preaching”.
Together, the evangelist and the soloist united in giving the church one of the great Gospel songs:
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give.
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
I surrender all,
I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour,
I surrender all.
The words were penned by Rev. Van de Venter, the music by Winfield Weeden.
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They also collaborated on:……….
Sunlight, Sunlight, in my soul today,
Sunlight, Sunlight, all along the way;
Since the Saviour found me, took away my sin,
I have had the sunlight of His love within.
Weeden’s published works include The Peacemaker (1894), Songs of the Peacemaker (1895) and Songs of Sovereign Grace, (1897).
Winfield Weeden died at Bisby Lake in New York State on 31 July, 1908. The words, “I surrender all”, are engraved upon his tombstone.
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This post is based on notes by my late friend Donald Prout. I have updated these historical posts with information gleaned from other sources. I am indebted to Don for awakening in me an interest in Church History. Don’s notes can be found at: www.donaldprout.com