E. Margaret Clarkson

Full Name: Edith Margaret Clarkson
Birth/Death: 1915–2008

Edith Margaret Clarkson was a Canadian hymn writer and author, born on June 8, 1915, in Melville, Saskatchewan. She later made her home in Toronto, where she spent much of her life composing hymns, writing devotional material, and contributing to the broader life of the church through education and spiritual literature. Trained as a teacher, Clarkson devoted decades to public school education, using her gifts in writing and music to enrich both the intellectual and spiritual lives of those she taught. Her dual vocation as educator and hymn writer allowed her to integrate careful doctrinal instruction with poetic expression, creating works that were accessible yet theologically sound.

Clarkson’s early hymns, such as So Send I You (1937) and We Come, O Christ, to Thee (1946), already displayed a remarkable clarity of thought and depth of devotion. She later produced hymns that gained widespread use in both Canada and abroad, including O Father, You Are Sovereign and For Your Gift of God the Spirit, which were often sung in missionary and ecumenical settings. Her works reflect a consistent Reformed theological perspective, emphasizing God’s sovereignty, grace, and the believer’s response in faithful obedience.

In addition to her hymns, Clarkson published numerous devotional books, addressing topics such as Christian life, spiritual growth, and suffering. Her writings combine careful exegesis of Scripture with a pastoral concern for readers, making them valuable resources for personal devotion, congregational use, and educational purposes. She was widely recognized for the quality, doctrinal fidelity, and poetic restraint of her work, and her influence extended to missionary contexts, church conventions, and ecumenical gatherings where her hymns were frequently sung.

Clarkson’s contribution to hymnody was formally recognized when she was named a Fellow of The Hymn Society in 1993. Her works continue to be included in hymnals and sung in churches, reflecting their enduring spiritual and musical value. She passed away in 2008, leaving a legacy marked by faithful devotion, literary skill, and a profound impact on Christian worship and education. Edith Margaret Clarkson’s life exemplified a harmonious blending of theological depth, pastoral sensitivity, and artistic expression, ensuring that her hymns and writings continue to inspire and guide believers worldwide.