When He Cometh

William Orcutt Cushing was a devoted American minister and prolific hymnwriter, born in Hingham, Massachusetts, on December 31, 1823. Raised in a religious household, he committed himself to the ministry at the age of eighteen and spent twenty-seven years serving various pastorates throughout New York, including Auburn, Buffalo, and Searsburg. He was supported in his early ministry by his wife, Hena Proper, until her death in 1870. Cushing was known for his profound compassion and self-sacrifice; he famously gave his entire life savings to fund the education of a blind girl and provided significant material aid to the school for the blind at Batavia.

A significant turning point in Cushing’s life occurred when he developed a "creeping paralysis" that eventually resulted in the loss of his voice, forcing his retirement from active preaching. Turning to God for a new way to serve, he discovered a remarkable talent for poetry and lyric writing. This transition allowed him to reach a much larger audience than he ever had from the pulpit, and he went on to author over 300 hymns. His lyrics were often characterized by themes of heavenly anticipation, deep personal peace, and the protective nature of Christ, many of which gained international popularity through the evangelistic campaigns of Ira D. Sankey.

Cushing’s most enduring contributions to Christian hymnody include "When He Cometh" (Jewels), "Under His Wings," and "O Safe to the Rock That is Higher Than I." His hymns, such as "Ring the Bells of Heaven" and "Beautiful Valley of Eden," became staples in Sunday school collections and gospel songbooks. Despite his physical limitations, Cushing remained active in his faith, joining the Wesleyan Methodist Church later in life. He spent his final thirteen years in Lisbon Center, New York, before passing away on October 19, 1902, in Searsburg, leaving behind a legacy of songs that continue to be sung globally.