Dear Friends,

It Is Well With My Soul

The Haratio Spafford family of Chicago planned an exciting vacation to Europe for the fall of 1873. When the time came, however, business matters in the Spafford law firm prevented Mr. Spafford from going with his wife and family. He planned to join them as soon as possible.

Anna Spafford and four of their daughters kissed him goodbye and then settled in on the beautiful French steamer for a long journey. As the ship slipped out of port and the children waved goodbye to their father for the last time. Within a few days, on Nov. 22, an English shipping vessel struck the hull of the ship that carried the Spaffords. It was cut apart and sank quickly. The girls were swept into the icy waters. The 226 other people were never to be found either.

Their mother, though, was rescued along with other survivors. They were taken to Cardiff, Wales, where she wired her husband the brief but heart breaking message: "Saved alone". He left immediately to join his wife. As his ship neared the spot where the tragedy had occurred Spafford prayed. His words, written in poem form, have since become the well-known hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul".

In this father's time of grief, he spoke to his Lord who had taught him to have this attitude:
" When peace like a river, attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well with my soul."

Several years after other tragic family events, Mr. Spafford's strong faith guided him to write this beloved hymn. It is a perfect witness to the power of a loving God who can heal the brokenhearted. The beautiful music that has carried this prayerful message to others was composed by Phillip Bliss in 1876.