The History of I Love to Tell the Story
Why Kate Hankey Wrote the Popular Hymn Rejoicing in the Gospel
May 21, 2009
Arabella Catherine Hankey, commonly known as Kate Hankey. was not born into the kind of family that typically rears songwriters and missionaries. Kate was born in 1834 and grew up in a fashionable London suburb as the daughter of a wealthy British banker. However, Kate had a passion for the gospel that sent her into the world to share the Good News.
Sharing the Good News
Nothing is known of how or when Kate Hankey came to Christ. However, it is told that she started a Bible class for the girls in her neighborhood when she was young. By the time she was eighteen, she went to London and started a Bible class for girls who worked in the factories. She started a second class when she was in her twenties. Obviously, Kate’s passion was sharing the gospel.
Forbidden to Share
In her thirties, Kate became seriously ill. Her doctors put her on bed rest and told her she could not teach her Bible classes for twelve months. However, despite her illness, Kate still believed in the gospel and desired to share it with those around her. When she began her bed rest she wrote a poem that became the hymn Tell Me the Old, Old Story about ten months later she wrote I Love to Tell the Story.
A Return to Strength
After ten months, Kate’s strength returned and she was able to leave her bed. Soon she began teaching her classes again. She continued to teach the gospel to factory girls until she was too old to sustain the commitment.
Continuing to Share the Good News
Even when she was too old to teach factory girls, Kate found a way to share the gospel. Kate started a prison ministry in London. Kate died in 1911 but the world is still reminded of the gospel and Kate’s passion for it whenever they hear the song I Love to Tell the Story or its companion Tell Me the Old, Old Story.
A Willing Messenger
Kate Hankey clearly loved the Lord and took to heart I Peter 3:15 “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” When today’s Christians today sing her hymns, the call to carry the message forward can be heard in the word’s she penned.
Source
Peterson, William J. and Ardythe. The Complete Book of Hymns: Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2006.
