The story behind the chords of 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus' could involve the composer's inspiration from other religious music or a desire to create a specific tonal atmosphere that resonates with the spiritual nature of the song. Sometimes, it might just be a matter of experimentation and finding what sounds the best to convey the intended message.
The story often relates to the religious and emotional significance of the song. The chords were likely chosen to convey a particular mood and message.