F. E. Belden

Franklin Edson Belden

Short Name: F. E. Belden
Full Name: Belden, Franklin Edson
Birth Year: 1858
Death Year: 1945

Franklin Edson Belden was born in 1858 in Battle Creek, Michigan, United States. He was an American hymn writer, composer, and lyricist closely associated with the early development of music in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Belden began writing music in his late teenage years after moving with his family to California. For health reasons, he later relocated to Colorado. In the early 1880s, he returned to Battle Creek with his wife, where he became involved in Adventist publishing work. During this period, he contributed extensively to church music, writing hymn tunes, gospel songs, and hymn texts.

Belden was known for composing both lyrics and music rapidly, sometimes producing complete songs during live sermons so that they could be sung immediately. He also wrote songs for evangelist Billy Sunday. His works were widely used in Adventist worship, Sabbath School programs, temperance movements, and evangelistic meetings.

In his later years, Belden experienced disputes with church leadership concerning royalties from his music. Despite these disagreements, he donated his papers and manuscripts to the Adventist seminary before his death.

Franklin Edson Belden died on December 2, 1945, in Battle Creek, Michigan. His name remains associated with a large body of hymn texts and gospel songs that continue to appear in denominational hymnals and hymn databases.