JESUS IS ALL THE WORLD TO ME

Will Thompson grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio in the mid 1800’s.  East Liverpool was known for a healthy, maybe a creative trade; the pottery trade.  In fact, Will's parents, Josiah and Sarah Thompson, were local entrepreneurs who had helped transform the area into a pottery manufacturing region.

Will showed early signs of his Dad’s entrepreneurial spirit, and being from a financially comfortable family, he was able to devote time to his other passion of music.  By the time he reached age sixteen, he had already published two contemporary songs. 

Following musical training in Boston and Germany, Will tried to sell his music to major publishers;  when they did not offer enough money, he published them himself.  He printed copies of his most popular song, “Gathering Shells by the Sea,” and sent them to minstrel organizations throughout the country.  Soon, his song was one of America’s most popular songs.

With his earnings, Will established his own music publishing business in Chicago called, “Will L. Thompson & Co.”  With his financial success, he decided to devote himself exclusively to Christian music.  He wrote the wonderful invitational hymn, “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling”, the rousing gospel song, “There’s a Great Day Coming,” and the beautiful hymn in our spotlight today…JESUS IS ALL THE WORLD TO ME.

Despite being wealthy, famous, widely travelled and in great demand, Will loved most to stay in his home town.  He opened a music business in East Liverpool and became a prominent land developer.  He was very generous and supported the local YMCA and his Church.  Most of all, he loved to hitch up the horse to the wagon, and taking his portable piano with him, would travel throughout the area singing in churches and public squares.

Maybe His hymn was somewhat of a testimony of the change Jesus Christ could make in one’s life.  This friendship with the Lord gave him joy and purpose in life.