William Marion Runyan (October 30, 1870 – January 7, 1957) was an American Methodist minister and composer of Christian hymns, best known for writing the music for the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”
Early Life and Education
- Born in LaSalle, Illinois, United States.
- Attended the University of Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1897.
- Studied theology at the Methodist Theological School in Chicago and was ordained as a Methodist minister.
Career
- Served as a pastor in several Methodist congregations in the United States, including churches in Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York.
- While ministering, Runyan developed an interest in hymnody and began composing religious music.
Major Works
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness (1923): Runyan set the text of the hymn, originally a poem by Thomas O. Chisholm, to music. The hymn quickly became one of the most popular and enduring songs in Protestant worship.
- Other hymns composed by Runyan include “When the King Was Working” and “The Holy City.”
- His compositions were widely published in hymnals and Christian songbooks throughout the early to mid‑20th century.
Later Life and Legacy
- Continued to serve in pastoral roles while promoting hymn singing within the Methodist tradition.
- Retired from active ministry in the 1940s but remained involved in church music activities.
- Passed away on January 7, 1957, in Hennepin County, Minnesota.
- “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” remains a staple in worship services across many denominations and has been recorded by numerous artists, cementing Runyan’s lasting impact on American Protestant hymnody.
References
- “William M. Runyan.” The Hymnal 1982 Companion, United Methodist Publishing House.
- McNeil, W. K. (1973). The Dictionary of American Hymnology. Oxford University Press.
- “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Encyclopedia of Christian Music, Routledge, 2000.
