Heroes of the Faith — Civilla Martin, Canadian-American hymn writer

Civilla Martin (1866–1948) was a Canadian-American hymn writer. Her most famous songs were “God Will Take Care of You” and “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”

Born Aug. 21, 1866, in Jordan, Nova Scotia, she was the daughter of James and Irene Holden. After teaching music for several years, she married Walter Martin, a Baptist minister. She traveled with him as he evangelized, but because of fragile health, she had to stay at home much of the time.

Civilla and Walter worked together creating hymns. She wrote the lyrics, and he often wrote the music for them. One such hymn of theirs became known around the world — “God Will Take Care of You.”

Gentle reminder

In 1904, the couple were guests at the Practical Bible Training School at Lestershire, New York, where Walter Martin was helping the school’s president prepare a songbook. One Sunday morning Walter was invited to preach at a church out of town. When Civilla suddenly became ill, he considered canceling his engagement. Their young son intervened by saying, “Father, don’t you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of Mother while you are away?”

While her husband was gone, Civilla’s health improved. Inspired by her son’s statement, she wrote the words to “God Will Take Care of You.” When her husband returned home, she gave him her lyrics. He sat down at his organ and wrote the music. The hymn was then printed in the songbook he was compiling for the school.

Hopeful faith

In the spring of 1905, the Martins were staying in Elmira, New York. They developed a deep friendship with Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle, a Christian couple. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for 20 years, and her husband conducted his business from a wheelchair. Despite their health concerns, they were happy. Civilla wrote later, “One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: ‘His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.’”

Civilla wrote “His Eye is on the Sparrow” soon afterward. Charles Gabriel, a leading composer, wrote the music. Many American performers have had success with this song, including Ethel Waters and Whitney Houston.

Civilla Martin spent the last years of her life in Atlanta. She died March 9, 1948, and is buried at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta next to her husband.