Joseph M Scriven Memorial - "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"
Posted by: 
jiggs11
N 43° 57.011 W 078° 17.587
17T E 717206 N 4869901
Memorial to the author of "What A "Friend We Have In Jesus"
Waymark Code: WMF2T0
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 08/12/2012
Views: 8
This is the monument and memorial alcove dedicated to Joseph Medlicott Scriven, an immigrant who left Ireland for a new life in Canada after his fiancée tragically died the day before their wedding.
Once established in Canada, he was again engaged to be married, when his second fiancée fell ill and died. He then dedicated his life to the help of others.
In his later years he worked for the Pengelley Family near Rice Lake, about 13 Miles north of Port Hope, and is buried in their family plot.
He wrote the words to a poem to comfort his ailing mother, called "Pray Without Ceasing". This would eventually be set to music and become more commonly known as "What A Friend We Have In Jesus", one of the most well-known of Christian hymns.
There are two engraved plaques along with the original memorial marker.
The first gives the history of Joseph Scriven; the second presents the words to the hymn.
From Wikipedia:
Words to "What a Friend We Have In Jesus"
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Saviour, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer,
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Website with more information on either the memorial or the person(s) it is dedicated to: [Web Link]
Location: Memorial Park, Port Hope
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