Helen Lemmel (1863-1961)
Helen Howarth Lemmel was born on November 14, 1864, in Wardle, England. She was the daughter of a Wesleyan Methodist pastor, and she came to this country with her family at the age of twelve. Helen lived briefly in Mississippi before settling in Wisconsin. Soon she developed a reputation as a brilliant singer, even studying private voice in Germany for four years. She traveled widely throughout the midwest during the early 1900’s, giving concerts in many churches. Later, Mrs. Lemmel taught voice at the Moody Bible Institute and then at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. In 1961, Helen Lemmel settled in Seattle, Washington, where she remained active with Christian activities, as a member of the Ballard Baptist Church of that city, during the last days of her life.
In addition to being known as a brilliant singer and musician, Mrs. Lemmel was also widely recognized as a woman with remarkable literary ability. She wrote more than 500 hymns and poems. Mrs. Lemmel also authored a very successful book for children entitled, Story of the Bible and composed many children’s musical pieces. She remained active for God in her musical and literary pursuits, until her home-going at the age of ninety-seven.
- His Banner Over Us by Helen Lemmel
- Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Helen Lemmel
- Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus By Helen Lemmel (Hymn Story)
14 Responses to Helen Lemmel (1863-1961)
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I love Helen's song, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" I wish I could hear her other songs... I too am a Christian songwriter, and Sunday School Teacher, and sing on my worship team at our church... and have a children's choir...I have many songs too, as I've been writing them for almost 30 years now. Thank you for telling her story... I have many trials too...
bless you
In one article that I read earlier about Ms Lemmel said her husband divorced her when she lost her eyesight. Is this true? Her song, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" has gotten me through many rough spots in my life. Wish I could know more about her. Thank you,
I am watching a show on RFD TV right now and they said the same thing. Her husband could not handle what she was going through so he left her. Sad.
https://www.unveiling.org/lily/focussed.html is a link to an article penned by a missionary. Helen Lemmel cited it as the inspiration for "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. Yes, the story about her husband abandoning her when she lost her eyesight is true. I have read it in several places. Knowing her story adds great impetus to this amazing hymn.
Thank you for that interesting information of the forerunner to this lovely hymn, which i hope to sing at my local church's Communion Service this evening (with apologies to Helen Lemmel who doubtless would have done a much worthier version of it).
Yes, I love that hymn, as the words are so true. I actually had the privilege of meeting her in 1954 when she was in a care facility near Seattle shortly before she died, and she was nearly blind. She took my hands in hers and prayed for me and my husband, who was her grandson. My husband was in the Air Force then and had just been relocated to Spokane so we had the opportunity so stop by for a short visit with her. She had such a kind face and a big smile and said she would pray for us. Hope to see her again in Heaven.
What caused her blindness?
Thank you for sharing such a precious memory. She was active around the time my grandfather (also moved from England to the states and became a Methodist minister) pastored a church in Ohio and I wonder if she may have visited and sung there at some point. Turn your eyes has always been a special favorite of mine.
The hymn 'Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus' has always been a favourite of mine. One day, I decided to look up who the hymn writer was, as I saw it was a women! I was so moved by the information about Mrs Kennel, of the fact that she actively served the Lord all her life and even through disappointments such as her husband leaving her when she lost her sight!
My grandmother Daisy Link took care of her in her adult care home during her last days on earth. She indeed was remarkable, blind and forgotten...but not even a hint of bitterness or regret. Full of the Spirit.
Blind and forgotten - that made me tear up a little. But look now how dearly she is remembered by people who never knew her! Praise God.
Does anybody know what the Hymn name is that includes lyrics "I'm happy when everything happens to please, But happiness comes and goes; While the heart that is stayed on Jesus the Saviour Ever with joy o'erflows. Happiness happens, but joy abides In the heart that is stayed on Jesus. H H Lemmel*
I too am moved when I read and listen to others who, in some way has been touched by this gracious lady. Even more so now with her heartbreaking last few days She lives in the hearts of all who love her, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. I tell as many people I can about her, and pray I meet her in Heaven.