The Timeless Story Behind “Wounded for Me”
During the Easter season, many songs are celebrated, yet one that often flies under the radar is “Wounded for Me.” This song, rich in history and significance, has a fascinating origin story that connects to a broader narrative of children’s missions and religious music.
Origins in Children’s Ministry
The roots of “Wounded for Me” trace back to the Children’s Special Service Mission (CSSM), established by Josiah Spiers in 1867 in Islington, London. Initially focused on engaging children through holiday clubs, CSSM evolved over time, introducing daily Bible readings in 1879 and launching the Children’s Scripture Union. By 1890, CSSM had published “Golden Bells,” a collection of songs and choruses that gained popularity across various church traditions. During the Great War, their booklets provided spiritual support to troops, which later led to the creation of Daily Notes for adults.
The Rise of Scripture Union
Scripture Union, as it is known today, emerged from CSSM’s efforts. In 1923, Joseph H Hubbard advanced the Scripture Union notes. Print and distribution were handled by Page & Thomas printers, expanding their reach with materials for children and adults alike. The success of these notes prompted CSSM to adopt the Scripture Union name, and in 1926, the company published a revised edition of “Golden Bells,” which was widely distributed globally.
The Song “Wounded for Me”
Within “Golden Bells” was “Wounded for Me,” a piece composed by Rev WG Ovens in 1931. The song, set in D Major with a meter of 8.10.10.10, starts with the verse:
“Wounded for me, wounded for me,
There on the cross He was wounded for me;
Gone my transgressions and now I am free,
All because Jesus was wounded for me.”
Later, Gladys Westcott Roberts expanded the piece by adding four more verses, each beginning with phrases like “Dying for me” and “Risen for me.” The song was integrated into subsequent editions of “Golden Bells” and found its way into many church songbooks across the English-speaking world.
The Life and Work of WG Ovens
William Gilbert Jones, known as WG Ovens, was born in 1869 in London. Educated at Cambridge and Oxford, he was ordained into the Church of England in 1915. However, he chose a path as a freelance preacher, engaging with multiple denominations. His work with CSSM included beach missions and speaking engagements at various conferences. Ovens often shared the inspiration behind “Wounded for Me,” which was sparked by a story of a wounded veteran, drawing parallels to Isaiah 53:5 and the crucifixion of Jesus.
A Wartime Legacy
With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, WG Ovens facilitated the relocation of the Scripture Union secretarial office to Chesham. Following the deaths of his parents, Ovens spent winters in Devon, and he passed away in 1945 in Northern Ireland. The Scripture Union remained in Chesham until 1946 before returning to London.
Though not widely known today, “Wounded for Me” continues to be sung and can be heard online at https://youtu.be/7kqylvfkJrU. Additionally, a modern arrangement is available here, and since 1986, the song has been adapted into a Chinese version, 為我受傷.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
