Ring the Bells of Heaven

Title: Ring the Bells of Heaven
Author: William O. Cushing (1823–1902)
Composer: George F. Root (1820–1895)
Meter: 11.9.11.9 with Chorus
Scripture Reference: "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." —Luke 15:10

William Orcutt Cushing was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, in 1823. After many successful years in ministry, he lost his ability to speak. In his despair, he prayed, “Lord, give me something to do for Thee.” God answered by granting him a gift for writing memorable Sunday School songs. He collaborated with prominent gospel musicians such as Ira Sankey, Robert Lowry, and George F. Root.

Cushing also wrote other beloved hymns, including “Hiding in Thee,” “When He Cometh,” “Under His Wings,” “There’ll Be No Dark Valley,” and “Down in the Valley With My Savior I Would Go.”

George Frederick Root, born in Sheffield, Massachusetts (1820), studied under Lowell Mason and became a renowned music teacher. He taught at the New York Institute for the Blind, where Fanny Crosby was among his students. Later, he founded the Root & Cady Publishing Company in Chicago. Root also composed the music for “When He Cometh.”

The melody for “Ring the Bells of Heaven” was originally written by Root for a secular song. When Cushing heard it, he was deeply moved:
“The melody ran in my head all day long, chiming and flowing in its sweet musical cadence. I wished greatly that I might secure this tune for use in the Sunday School and for other Christian purposes. Later, when I heard of a sinner who had repented, it seemed like such a glad day—the very bells of heaven were ringing in my soul. Then the words, ‘Ring the Bells of Heaven,’ flowed into this waiting melody.”

Thus, in 1870, this joyful gospel hymn was born.