From Greenland’s Icy Mountains

“Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.” — Matthew 9:37–38 (KJV)

Reginald Heber, one of the most respected hymn writers of the nineteenth century, composed what is widely regarded as one of the greatest missionary hymns ever written. Penned in 1819, this hymn reflects both Heber’s literary brilliance and his deep commitment to the cause of global evangelism. Remarkably, Heber authored a total of fifty-seven hymns, each of which has remained in use—a rare and enduring legacy in the field of sacred music.

Throughout his ministry within the Anglican Church, Heber displayed a profound concern for missionary outreach. His sermons, writings, and personal convictions helped ignite broader Protestant interest in foreign missions during a period of growing evangelical awareness. In recognition of his passion and service, Heber was appointed Bishop of Calcutta in 1822, a position that placed him at the heart of the Church’s missionary enterprise in India. His episcopate, however, was tragically short-lived. After only three years of tireless labor in a difficult and demanding climate, Heber died suddenly in 1826 at the age of forty-three.

The origins of his famous missionary hymn are both simple and moving. During a visit to his father-in-law, Dean Shirley, at the Wrexham Vicarage in the summer of 1819, Heber was asked if he could provide a hymn suitable for an upcoming Whit-Sunday (Pentecost) missionary service. Heber withdrew for a brief time of prayer and quiet reflection. When he returned just a few minutes later, he had composed the first three stanzas of the hymn. Though the family was delighted, Heber himself felt the work was not yet complete. He returned to his study and shortly after emerged with the final, triumphant verse, completing what would become a beloved anthem for the missionary movement.

In addition to this hymn, Reginald Heber is also known for “Holy, Holy, Holy,” another masterpiece of worship that continues to be sung around the world. His hymns are marked by theological depth, poetic excellence, and heartfelt devotion, qualities that have preserved their place in Christian worship across denominations and generations.

The musical setting for this missionary hymn was composed by Lowell Mason, a pioneering American church musician and educator. Mason, born in 1792, is often credited with laying the foundations of music education in the United States and was instrumental in elevating the quality of church music during his lifetime. In 1824, just a few years after Heber wrote the text, Mason composed the tune now known as “Missionary Hymn” specifically for these words. Much like Heber’s composition, Mason is said to have written the melody quickly, inspired by the spiritual power of the text.

Lowell Mason’s influence on American hymnody is profound. In addition to this setting, he composed or arranged many other beloved hymns, including “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” “Joy to the World,” “My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” “O Day of Rest and Gladness,” and “A Charge to Keep I Have.” His commitment to the fusion of music, theology, and education helped shape a uniquely American sacred musical tradition.

Together, the words of Reginald Heber and the melody of Lowell Mason have made this hymn a timeless call to Christian service and a stirring reminder of the Great Commission. As it has been sung across continents and generations, the hymn continues to echo Christ’s urgent plea: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”