George C. Stebbins (1846 to 1945)
Self or Savior?
George C. Stebbins, famous composer, was born in Orleans County, New York. Stebbins was associated with D. L. Moody for a quarter of a century, and later he assisted Ira Sankey in compiling several editions of the Gospel Hyms series. He composed over 1,500 Gospel tunes, many of which are still popular, including "There Is a Green Hill Far Away," "Jesus Is Tenderly Calling Thee Home," "I've Found a Friend, 0 Such a Friend," "Take Time to Be Holy" and "Have Thine Own Way." Although raised in a godly environment, and active in evangelistic music composition, it was not until around 1874 that he came to know the Lord personally, in a saving relationship. Even then, his greatest desire was to make a name for himself as an outstanding singer. In his association with the men he met in the evangelistic campaigns of Mr. Moody, he learned to love the service of Christ, to value prayer and Bible study, even more than music and his personal goals.