March 7, 2005

Brighten the Corner

Ina Mae Duley Ogdon, 1877-1964

    For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14.

    Daughter of William and Laetitia Wilson Ogdon, Ina attended Greer College in Hoopeston, Illinois, and taught in Illinois schools (1892-1900). She wrote her first published hymn, Open Wide the Win­dows, in 1892 — the beginning of a long term collaboration with composer Charles Gabriel. She married fellow teacher James Weston Ogdon in 1896, and in 1900, they moved to Toledo, Ohio. Their only child, William Duley Ogdon, was born in 1901.
    Early in her life, Ina Ogden had hoped to preach on the Chautauqua circuit. However, her father’s illness forced her to abandon her plans for an evangelistic career, in order to care for him at home. In 1913 she wrote these encouraging words showing how one can serve the Lord in many different ways and circumstances. In other words, make the best of where you find yourself.

Other hymns by Ina Ogdon include:

• Brighten the Corner Where You Are
• Could I Tell It
• Living Where the Healing Waters Flow
• More than These
• Open Wide the Windows
• Promise to Mother, The
• Who Will Open Mercy's Door?

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear,
Let not narrow self your way debar;
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Chorus:
Brighten the corner where you are!
Brighten the corner where you are!
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;
Brighten the corner where you are!