John Clements

John Ralston Clements was an Irish-American hymnwriter who authored thousands of hymns emphasizing Christian soul redemption and the love of God. Born on November 28, 1868, in Newry, Ireland, he immigrated to the United States as a child. In 1886, after hearing evangelist Dwight L. Moody preach in Binghamton, New York, Clements was converted to Christianity, an event that shaped his life’s work.

Clements became deeply involved in Christian education and ministry. From 1900 to 1914, he served as the first president of the Practical Bible Training School, now Davis College, in Johnson City, New York. He also served as director of the Montrose Bible Conference, further investing in the spiritual development of others.

A prolific writer, Clements reportedly composed over 5,000 hymns during his lifetime. His hymn texts were frequently set to music by various composers, including Daniel B. Towner. Among his well-known songs are “No Night There,” “Somebody Did a Golden Deed,” “Man the Life-Boat,” “Lord Send Us Forth,” “Service Is Our Watchword,” and “Is It Nothing to You?”

John Ralston Clements died on January 9, 1946, in Johnson City, New York. His extensive body of hymnody remains a lasting contribution to Christian worship music.