J. M. Driver

John Merritte (J. M.) Driver (1858–1918) was a distinguished American clergyman, scholar, and multifaceted man of letters who represented the intellectual side of late 19th-century Methodism. Born in Jefferson County, Illinois, Driver received a robust education at Illinois Agricultural College and Boston University, eventually earning both a PhD and a Doctor of Divinity. His career as a Methodist Episcopal minister saw him rise through the ranks from rural Illinois pulpits to serving as the pastor of the prominent People’s Church in Chicago during the early 1900s.

Driver was far more than a local pastor; he was a widely traveled intellectual and a member of the American and Asiatic Archaeological Society. His extensive travels throughout Europe informed his work as a lecturer and travel writer. He possessed a versatile literary output that spanned fiction, historical texts, and accounts of his journeys. His reputation as an orator made him a sought-after speaker on the lecture circuit, where he combined his theological background with his interest in global history and archeology.

In the realm of sacred music, Driver is primarily recognized as a hymn writer and editor who sought to elevate the quality of church music. In 1885, he co-edited Songs of the Soul, a collection that reflected the "Gospel Song" aesthetic while maintaining a high standard of lyrical and musical integrity. While he composed several tunes, he was most prolific as a lyricist. His hymns often dealt with the inner life of the believer and the intellectual beauty of the Christian faith, aligning with the "People's Church" movement's focus on accessible yet thoughtful worship.

Driver's legacy is that of a "Renaissance man" of the pulpit. He successfully balanced the administrative and pastoral duties of a large Chicago congregation with a vigorous life of the mind. Whether he was exploring archeological sites in the East or writing fiction, his work was underpinned by his identity as a Methodist minister. He passed away in 1918, leaving behind a body of work that demonstrated how the late 19th-century church could engage with the wider worlds of science, history, and literature.