Hello Cal Clayton, 12/08/08
I have just found this site about Joseph. My ggGrandmother Jane, was his sister. I have been working on the Scriven family story for awhile for my own pleasure. I have a couple of questions I’d like to ask you, if you’d be so kind to write me back. Yours truly, Katie
Cal:
So wonderful to read what you have put together concerning Joseph Scriven. His Hymn has always been likely my most favorite Christian piece. I visited his burial place when I was in the 4th Port Hope Scout Troop as a part of a “Badge” quest.
Interesting to note that one of the pallbearers was a “Benson”, surely a relative to Doc. Benson of the earlier half of the 1900’s. The bensons had a female, I’m not sure the era, but she was engaged or married to an adventurer from New York who eventually died trying to cross Labrador by way of rivers. He and his two partners took the wrong river and never got out. They were supposed to end up at Ungava Bay but of course never did.
...a little bit of Benson trivia there.
Is there any way to substantiate the story that Scriven was for a while an itinerant Bible salesman? We were always told that one of the two old Family Bibles in the house was a “Scriven Bible”, purchased from him.
what a friend in jesus is such a touching and tranquil song
Wonderfully detailed information about Joseph Scriven. I was under the impression the music to “What a Friend we have in Jesus” was a Mr. Sankey (not sure of spelling), so surprising to learn that the music was by C.C. Converse.
Thanks for sharing this remarkable history for such a Christian saint.
I was so moved by the Hymn “What a friend we have in Jesus…”, that I spenet hours in going through various sites depicting the life history of Charles Scriven. I have discovered something great in the verses of the Hymn and these days I meditate on it.
Hello and thank you for the story of Joseph Scriven. I have visited the cemetery and found it inspirational and moving.
In addition to Joseph Scriven I found another grave stone of some interest: James and Frederick Northey. Both died on the same day and a foot stone notes “greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for this brother”. There must be a story here. Can you share it with me? Thanks.
Ted Misiaszek
58 Evergreen Drive,
Whitby, Ontario.
L1N 6N6
Hi there.
What an amazing story and life! Thanks for posting.
I am researching St.Paul’s Anglican cemetary in Cavan and was told that Joseph Scriven was a preacher at the church there for a time. I was wondering if this is true and if you have any information about this and possibly the cemetary/church itself.
Thanks,
Jim Bowskill.
Bailieboro Ontario.
According Dr. Ernest L. Martin’s book “The Star That Astonished the World”, our Lord Jesus Christ was born out of Mary on the day 3 BC September 11 between 6:15 pm and 7:45 pm. It is interesting to learn that Joseph Scriven was born on September 10, 1819, one day before Christ, without counting the year. The Lord must have designed the life of Joseph Scriven to testify about the life His Only Begotten Son, Jesus of Nazareth.
“By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.” – Hebrews 11:4
Praise the Lord who will come back soon in the believers’ eyes!
P.S. See the summary of Ernest Martin’s book in Chinese here at http://www.ruminzhang.net/datingchristmas.HTM
Two September 11’s – one in New York and one in Bethlehem.
These two agree with what Jesus said in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they (the sheep) may have life, and have it to the full.”
What a contrast!
Doing research to teach a bible study I came across the story of Joseph Scriven, although the source I originally read called him, Joseph Scribbin and had him from Port Hole, Canada! With a little googling I finally got to your website and the full story of the man behind the great gospel song, What A Friend We Have in Jesus. Thanks!
My grandmother was from the Sidey line, which included Agnes Sackville Sidey. I am interested in any information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joan Graham Nathan
Emily Jane Scriven window Drumbangher Parish Church. Can anybody confirm that John Enraght Scriven married Emily Jane Close
I need more information about this giant of a man,does he have a bio ??—how he lived floors me,I must read more about him.
I’d love to know more about David Kidd, aka David Samuel Kidd Byrne, fund-raiser for the Scriven memorial at Port Hope. He came from a Port Hope family.
I have always been interested in the story of Joseph Scriven, being raised near Port Hope & have always read & seen his memorial in the town park on the corner by Queen St. & then later in life I married & moved to Bailieboro, Ontario where there is Scriven Rd. on which stands the house that he once lived in, in front of the cemetary there. Growing up in the church & singing his hymn that he wrote of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” I have always been fascinated by history & had wondered about the story behind this man. I thank you so much for posting this, he has left us all a legacy to follow in life especially if we really read the words of the hymn & take them to heart & abide by them. Thank you for your time. Sincerely Carol Beatty
Bewdley, Hamilton Twp, Ontario, Canada.
My mum has shown me this website and I know the hymn and the story of it is really interesting and moving.
It is nice to hear and read about my great great great great uncle.