Franklin Edson Belden (1858-1945)

Gallery

Harriet, Linnie, and Franklin Belden
Photo courtesy of Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.

Home of Franklin E. Belden.
Photo courtesy of Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.

BIRTH & DEATH

b: 21 March 1858; Battle Creek, Michigan
d: 2 December 1945; Cleveland, Ohio

HIGHLIGHTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Known as the most prolific writer of hymn tunes, gospel songs, and related texts in the early years of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and was referred to as “the sweet singer of Israel”

Also known for his ability to compose hymns spontaneously as sermons were being delivered and then perform them at the conclusion of the service.

Served as music editor together with Edwin Barnes to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymn and Tune Book for Use in Divine Worship, more widely known as Hymns and Tunes, a collection of over 1100 hymns published in 1886

Contributed over eighty texts and 87 tunes to the Hymns and Tunes

Later collaborated with his cousin, J. Edson White, on several songbooks

Mainly associated with Christ in Song, the most popular songbook ever published by the church.

Due to several issues against Review and Herald regarding royalties, he became disillusioned and separated himself from Adventism

After the separation, he began writing songs for the noted evangelist Billy Sunday, which were included in Songs for the King’s Business

He was known for his uncanny ability to rapidly pen both music and poetry enabled him to write a song to fit a sermon while it was still being delivered. At the end of the service he and his wife would perform the newly created song. They would then give a copy of the manuscript to the preacher as a souvenir

His papers and manuscripts were purchased for $1000 by the church and given to the SDA Theological Seminary in Takoma Park, Maryland. They are now available at the Andrews University Library in Berrien Springs, Michigan

The 1941 Church Hymnal included 22 of Belden’s songs and hymns.

The 1985 Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal includes twelve complete hymns and four tunes by him, more than provided by any other Adventist contributor

Publications:

The Seventh-Day Adventist Hymn and Tune Book, with Edwin Barnes (Battle Creek, Michigan: Review & Herald, 1886)

Christ in Song (Battle Creek, Michigan: Review & Herald, 1900)

Christ in Song (Washington, DC: Review & Herald Publishing Association, 1908)

Songs for the King’s Business (Chicago, Illinois: F. G. Fischer, 1909)