It Is Well with My Soul arr. Matt Riley
Performed by All Strings Attached
under the direction of Rebecca Windschitl.
Soloists John Ching, Cello; Jake Gute, Piano.
Horatio Spafford was an American lawyer, businessman, and devout Christian who lived from 1828 to 1888. He was born in Troy, New York, and later moved to Chicago, where he became a successful lawyer and real estate investor.
In 1871, Spafford experienced a series of tragedies that would change his life forever. First, his only son died of scarlet fever at the age of four. Then, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed much of his real estate holdings and left him financially ruined.
Despite these setbacks, Spafford remained committed to his faith and his family. In 1873, he planned a trip to Europe with his wife and four daughters, hoping that the change of scenery would help them heal from their losses.
However, at the last minute, Spafford was delayed by business and sent his family ahead on the SS Ville du Havre. Tragically, the ship collided with another vessel and sank in the Atlantic Ocean, killing 226 people including Spafford’s four daughters.
When Spafford learned of the tragedy, he was devastated but also inspired to write a famous hymn that has brought comfort to millions of people over the years. The hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul,” expresses Spafford’s deep faith in God and his belief that even in the midst of tragedy and loss, there is hope and peace.
After the disaster, Spafford and his wife moved to Jerusalem to work with the poor and needy. They founded the American Colony, a Christian community that provided humanitarian aid to Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the region.
Spafford died in Jerusalem in 1888, but his legacy lives on through his hymn and his commitment to serving others.
