Judson Wheeler van DeVenter, a student in Hillsdale’s commercial and telegraph department from 1874 – 1876, according to college archivist Linda Moore, wrote the hymn “I Surrender All” as he struggled between continuing a career in art or moving into full-time ministry.In 1891, van DeVenter found himself arguing with God. He wanted to continue as a public high school art teacher and supervisor in Pennsylvania. Despite being an active member in his Methodist Episcopalian church and participating in evangelistic meetings, van DeVenter felt God was calling him to do more. His friends encouraged him to pursue a career in ministry. But he resisted.

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