Ellen M. H. Gates

Ellen Maria Huntington Gates was born in Torrington, Connecticut, in 1835. She married Isaac E. Gates and later resided in New York City. A prolific hymn writer, she contributed numerous pieces to American Mission and Sunday School hymnals. Her works often emphasize personal devotion, encouragement for Christian living, and the hope of heaven.

Gates is particularly remembered for her hymn "If you cannot on the ocean," written in 1860, which became widely popular in America. President Abraham Lincoln reportedly requested it to be sung at the Hall of Representatives in 1865, making it known as one of his favorite hymns. Her poetry collections include Treasures of Kurium (1895), which contains many of her hymns and devotional poems.

Her hymns have been translated into multiple languages and appear in numerous hymnals. She was known for her gentle, uplifting style and for creating songs that were accessible to children and congregations alike.

Her body of work includes 47 known hymn texts, many of which continue to inspire worshippers with messages of hope, devotion, and the call to follow Christ.