Katherine Hankey (1834–1911)

Katherine Hankey was an English devotional writer known for steady, practical service. Though still young, she spent years among London’s crowded neighborhoods, teaching Scripture, visiting the poor, and gathering children and working people around the Word of God. Her ministry was not loud, but it was brave: the daily heroism of showing up, speaking truth with compassion, and trusting that the Lord would use simple gospel labor to comfort burdened hearts.

November 18, 1866: “The Old, Old Story”

At only 32, Hankey was recovering from a serious illness that had forced her to slow down. In that weakness, she turned again to the strength she had long proclaimed. On November 18, 1866, she began writing the verses that would later be shaped into the hymn “I Love to Tell the Story.” Her lines were not an escape from suffering, but a confession that the gospel remains enough when the body is tired and the future feels uncertain: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Christ at the Center

What Hankey set to paper was the message she had carried into homes and streets: the saving love of Jesus Christ for sinners. The hymn’s “old, old story” is simply the apostolic gospel, unchanged and undefeated: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures… He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) Later paired with a memorable tune, the words traveled far beyond London, teaching congregations to cherish what heaven never wearies of proclaiming.

Enduring Call to Witness

“I Love to Tell the Story” endures because the church still needs what Hankey celebrated: a glad, unashamed testimony. The gospel is not a private comfort only; it is a public hope meant to be spoken: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) Hankey’s convalescent writing became a lifelong reminder that telling of Jesus is both worship and mercy.