The most famous female hymn writer of all times would probably be Fanny Crosby. She has well over 8,000 songs credited to her God-given talent. As you can imagine, with such an ability to write, she was always followed by those who wanted to compose. So it was for one John R. Sweney.

It was nearing the end of the nineteenth century and Fanny was visiting one of her favorite places, Lake Chautauqua in Western New York State. There on its shores was situated the Chautauqua Institute, which in those days was a place for Christian fellowship, great preaching and of course singing of those wonderful hymns. It was here that John caught up with his favorite writer.

After a busy day at the camp meeting, both our heroes were taking a well-deserved rest on the front porch of the grand hotel at Chautauqua when John asked Fanny an interesting question; "Fanny, do you think we'll recognize our friends in heaven?" Initially her response was positive, but then she added this: "John, that's not what you really want to know. You wonder how an old lady who has been blind all her life could even recognize one person, let alone her Lord and Saviour. Well, John Sweney, I've given it a lot of thought and I don't think I'll have a problem. But if I do, when I get to heaven I'm going to look around and when I see the one who I think is my Saviour, I'm going to walk up to Him and say, 'May I see your hands?' When I see the nail prints in the hands of my Saviour, then I'll know I've found my Jesus."

"Oh Fanny," John said, "can you repeat that story? It would make a great song." She replied, "No thank you. I'm tired. I'm going to bed." Bright and early the next morning, Fanny met John for breakfast and before they went their separate ways, she dictated the following words to him and thus was born of one of Fanny's best-loved hymns, "My Saviour First of All".

When my life's work is ended, and I cross the swelling tide, When the bright and glorious morning I shall see;
I shall know my Redeemer when I reach the other side, And His smile will be the first to welcome me.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him, And redeemed by His side I shall stand.
I shall know Him, I shall know Him, By the print of the nails in His hand.