Philip P. Bliss, author of “Jesus Loves Even Me,” was born on July 9, 1838, in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. He grew up in extreme poverty on a farm in a lumber camp. In 1850 Bliss became a Christian and shortly thereafter joined a church in Tioga County, Pennsylvania.

Even as a boy, Bliss showed a special talent for music. After a brief training period, he moved to Chicago and began to conduct musical institutes. He was highly regarded by his fellow musicians.

In 1874 D. L. Moody and Major Daniel W. Whittle asked him to join them in full-time evangelistic work. From then until his death two years later, Bliss served with them as special singer and song leader.

The hymn “Jesus Loves Even Me” was written and composed by Bliss after attending a meeting where the song “O How I Love Jesus” was sung often. He thought, “Have I not been singing enough about my poor love for Jesus and shall I not rather sing of His great love for me?”

The hymn became one of the all-time favorite children’s hymns, gaining popularity in both Great Britain and the United States. It was first published in Bliss’s book The Charm for Sunday Schools in 1871.

Philip Bliss and his wife were tragically killed while traveling by train from Pennsylvania to Chicago on December 29, 1876. The train on which they were riding overturned and plunged into a ravine, killing one hundred passengers. Bliss survived the accident but went back into the flames in an attempt to rescue his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss and the other accident victims were buried in a common grave in Ashtabula Cemetery, Ashtabula, Ohio.
The night before the railroad accident, Bliss sang in a special meeting. He said to the audience, “I may not pass this way again.” He then sang “I’m Going Home Tomorrow.” The next day he made his final journey to his eternal home.

свернуть