Thankful This Is My Father's World

Niagara Falls

On this Thanksgiving Day, 2023, I’ll share a story about one of my favorite hymns.

American Presbyterian pastor Maltbie Babcock (1858–1901) loved the outdoors.

He had been a champion baseball pitcher and accomplished swimmer at Syracuse University before entering the ministry.

Pastoring the Presbyterian Church in Lockport, New York, Maltbie often walked to the Niagara Escarpment.

The scenic views of Lake Ontario and Niagara Falls were inspiring.

Whenever he left his house for his nature walks, he would tell his wife, Katherine:

“I am going out to see my Father’s world."

On one of these walks, Maltbie felt some poetic words come to his mind about "my Father's world" and what the “rocks and trees, skies and seas" could teach of God's glory.

We know Malbie’s words as the hymn “This Is My Father’s World.”

The Rest of the Story