Milton poet honoured at Zion United Church

Heddie Edwards brought the hymn, “When I Get to the End of the Way” to choir director Marjorie Speed’s attention several weeks ago.

“She brought me the music, and it seemed like a nice thing to do something that had local connections,” said Speed.

The church choir performed the hymn Aug. 10 during the service.

Harriet Cole was the author’s pen name, which Linda Rafuse, Queens County Museum Director, discovered in 1992 after trying to find more information on the Milton poet. Her real name was Harriet Nickerson; she lived from 1841 to 1883.

The hymn was adapted from a book of poetry entitled “Songs from the Valley,” printed in 1878.

The hymn is credited to Charles D. Tillman, but the words are from Cole’s book of poetry.

An article published in The Queens County Advance on March 25 sparked renewed interest in the works of Harriet Cole. Rafuse said two more copies of her book have turned up since then.

Heddie Edwards and her husband Elbert have a copy, and were always interested in her work.

“We’ve always been interested in the history of the area. Armand Wigglesworth was a friend for 20 years and we thought he might have enjoyed the hymn,” said Edwards. She added it was unfortunate he passed away before he could hear it.

Their daughter Pember introduced the hymn, and sang solo on the third verse during the performance.

Rafuse is delighted the choir decided to sing Cole’s hymn in church.

“I think that’s just something else, such a tribute to Harriet. One hundred later to do this hymn, I think she would just be overjoyed,” said Rafuse. “It always surprises me how things in the museum field find their way back. Here is a hymn that found it’s way back to Liverpool and now it’s going to be performed at a local church.“