Fanny Crosby (March 24, 1820 - February 12, 1915) was an American poet, lyricist, composer, and mission worker. She was a prolific writer of hymns having written more than 8,000 with more than 100 million copies of her hymns in print at the time of her death. Among her most well-known hymns are “Blessed Assurance,” “Jesus is Tenderly Calling You Home (Jesus is Calling),” “To God Be the Glory,” and many, many more.

At six weeks old she developed an inflammation of the eyes that led, ultimately, to her blindness. She wrote her first poem at eight-years-old. She enrolled at the New York Institution for the Blind at fifteen where she learned to play the organ, harp, and guitar. As a young woman she advocated before congress on behalf of blind people. After a long and storied career as a hymn writer, Crosby dedicated herself to mission work. She was an early founder of the Bowery Mission and her wish was that she would be remembered more for her work there than as a composer.

11x17”, glossy print on 100 lb. paper

50% of the proceeds from the sale of this print benefit the Bowery Mission in honor of Fanny Crosby’s legacy. The Bowery Mission is the oldest Christian rescue mission in New York City. It has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1879. Today the Bowery Mission is providing services to New Yorkers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.