About Lesbia Scott
Lesbia Scott (1898–1986)
Lesbia Scott was an English hymn writer best remembered for the beloved children’s hymn “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God.” Through this simple yet profound hymn, she helped generations of Christians understand that sainthood is not limited to famous figures of history, but includes ordinary believers who faithfully serve God in everyday life.
She was born in 1898 and lived during a period of major social and global change, including both World Wars and the transformation of modern church life. Though only a small number of hymns are associated with her name, one composition secured her lasting place in English-language hymnody.
“I Sing a Song of the Saints of God”
Scott’s most famous hymn was first published in England in 1929 and later included in the hymnal of the Episcopal Church, where it gained widespread popularity.
The hymn begins:
“I sing a song of the saints of God,
patient and brave and true…”
Unlike many older hymns about saints that focused mainly on martyrs or heroic historical figures, Scott’s hymn emphasized the holiness of ordinary Christians living faithful lives in daily occupations. One of its most memorable ideas is that saints can be found:
“in shops, or at tea,
or at sea…”
This accessible and joyful portrayal of Christian holiness made the hymn especially loved among children, families, and church schools.
Themes and influence
Scott’s hymn highlights several important Christian themes:
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Everyday discipleship
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Faithfulness in ordinary life
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Christian courage and kindness
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The universal calling to holiness
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Joyful service to God
The hymn’s popularity spread internationally and was translated into other languages, including Hawaiian and Spanish, allowing it to reach congregations beyond English-speaking churches.
Though little detailed biographical information survives about Lesbia Scott herself, her hymn continues to shape how many Christians understand sainthood: not as distant perfection, but as faithful obedience to Christ in everyday life.
Lesbia Scott died in 1986, but her hymn remains a treasured part of children’s worship and congregational singing around the world.
