Born: 1838, Cork, Ireland.
Died: January 18, 1877, Southampton, England.
In the annals of hymn history, some figures shine brightly despite their brief appearance. George Wade Robinson, an Irish poet and pastor, left such a legacy – short in span but radiant in its impact.
Born in Cork, Ireland in 1838, Robinson’s journey began in the emerald landscapes of his homeland. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the hallowed halls of Trinity College in Dublin, where the foundations of his theological understanding were laid. Seeking to broaden his horizons, Robinson crossed the Irish Sea to continue his studies at New College in London, further honing his intellectual and spiritual acumen.
Robinson’s calling to ministry saw him return to Irish soil, where he co-pastored the York Street Chapel in Dublin alongside William Urwick the elder. This partnership likely provided Robinson with valuable experience and insight into the pastoral life. His journey then took him back to England, where he tended to flocks in St. John’s Wood, Dudley, and finally at Union Chapel in Brighton.
In each of these roles, one can imagine Robinson pouring out his heart in service, his poetic soul finding expression in both word and deed. Though the details of his ministry are scarce, the impact of a life dedicated to spiritual guidance cannot be understated.
It was in 1867 that Robinson gifted the world with “Lays of a Heart,” a collection of poetry that hinted at the depth of his spiritual reflections. Yet it was a single poem, penned near the end of his life, that would etch Robinson’s name in the chronicles of hymnody.
“Loved with Everlasting Love,” also known as “I Am His and He Is Mine,” emerged in 1876, just one year before Robinson’s passing at the age of 39. The opening lines of this beloved hymn encapsulate the profound simplicity of Robinson’s faith:
Loved with everlasting love,
Led by grace that love to know;
Spirit, breathing from above,
Thou hast taught me it is so!
These words, inspired by Colossians 3:3, speak of a love that transcends time and circumstance. They reflect a soul deeply anchored in the assurance of God’s unwavering affection.
Robinson’s words found their musical companion through James Mountain, who set the poem to a tune that has carried it through the decades. Together, word and melody have lifted the hearts of countless worshippers, offering comfort and joy in equal measure.
Though George Wade Robinson’s life spanned just 39 years, the legacy of his faith lives on through this singular contribution to Christian hymnody. In churches around the world, voices still unite in singing:
Heaven above is softer blue,
Earth around is sweeter green;
Something lives in every hue
Christless eyes have never seen!
In these lines, we glimpse the heart of a man who saw the world through the lens of divine love, finding beauty and meaning in every aspect of creation.
George Wade Robinson’s story reminds us that a life’s impact is not measured in years, but in the depth of its devotion and the reach of its influence. Through one heartfelt hymn, this Irish poet continues to touch lives, his words a bridge between earth and heaven, inviting all who sing them to rest in the assurance of being “His, and He is mine.”
