Frank A. Simpkins

Simpkins, Frank Addison. (Ashterville County, Ohio, June 8, 1870--March 4, 1939, Riverside, California). His childhood home was in the vicinity of the homes of other well-known hymn writers: Philip P. Bliss, James McGranahan and Charles C. Case. These, no doubt, influenced young Frank Simpkins. His schooling included a time at the Preparatory School, Hiram College. He was a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and traveled for a time with an evangelist. He wrote a number of hymns during the early 1900s. He entered the field of education and taught in Ohio: 1915-1916, Kinsman Township School; Music Director, 1916-1924; Assistant County Superintendent and Supervisor of Band and Orchestra in Trumbull County, 1924-1928; Music Director of Cortland Village School. He was known as the "Father of the School Band Movement in Trumbull County."

After retirement, he moved with his wife, Matilda C. Simpkins, to Riverside, California. There he met hymn-writer Carlton C. Buck, and became a member of the Church where Rev. Buck was pastor. Through this association, he renewed his interest in hymn writing.

Among his early hymns are: "Oh, for a glimpse of that city," "Scatter sunshine," "In the golden morning," "Am I ashamed of Christ?" and "I am coming, Lord, to thee." A pianist, he also wrote hymn tunes and collaborated during his retirement years on several hymns with his pastor. Among these are "Feasting in the center of His love," and the well-known "When God speaks." Funeral services were held on March 7, 1939, and in the interment was in Evergreen Cemetery at Riverside, California.

--Carlton C. Buck, DNAH Archives