HISTORY OF THE SONG "DOES JESUS CARES"
The hymn "Does Jesus Care?" was written by Reverend Frank E. Graeff and published in 1905. Graeff, a
pastor and hymnwriter, penned the lyrics in 1901 after experiencing personal hardships, including the
loss of loved ones. The song's purpose was to offer comfort and assurance to those facing difficult times,
emphasizing Jesus' sensitivity to human suffering.
Elaboration: Inspiration and Context: Reverend Graeff's inspiration came from his own experiences with
grief and loss, which led him to reflect on God's care and compassion. He had lost two-thirds of his
immediate family by the time he wrote the song, including his youngest sister in 1901.
Creation and Publication: The hymn was written in 1901 and first published in the 1905 hymnbook, New
Songs of the Gospel #2, published by Hall's Hall-Mack Co.
Themes and Message: The song's central message is that Jesus cares about our pain and suffering. It
addresses the burdens and trials we face, offering comfort and reassurance that Jesus' heart is touched
by our grief. The lyrics address various aspects of life's challenges, including physical hardships, spiritual
struggles, and the loss of loved ones.
Impact and Legacy: "Does Jesus Care?" has been widely used and included in numerous hymnbooks
throughout the 20th century, demonstrating its enduring popularity and relevance. The song continues
to be sung and used for its comforting message, reminding people of Jesus' love and care. Other Works
by Graeff: Reverend Graeff was also a prolific writer, authoring more than 200 hymns, many children's
stories, and the novel, The Minister's Twins.
Hymn History: “Does Jesus Care?” - Institute in Basic Life Principles God's Word strengthened his heart,
and Reverend Graeff was inspired to write his own song to proclaim the Lord's care in difficult times.
HISTORY OF THE SONG "HE LEADETH ME"
In 1926, the old building of the historic First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was being torn
down to make way for a new office building. The building was built in 1853 and had served the church
for 73 years. The church sold the old building and built a new building a few blocks away. The United Gas
Improvement Company purchased the old building and planned to tear it down to make way for a new
high rise office building for the company.
On the morning that the demolition was to begin, an old man was standing across the street from the
old church building watching carefully as the demolition crew set up cranes with giant wrecking balls.
The supervisor of the wrecking company noticed the old man and walked over to him. The supervisor
asked him if he was a member of the church. The old man replied, “Yes, I am a member of the church.
There are a lot of memories I have of that old building. You know, there is a lot of history being torn
down.” The supervisor asked the old man to tell him what historical significance he was talking about.
The old man told the story to the supervisor.
On Wednesday night, March 26, 1862, Dr. Joseph Henry Gilmore, a young 28 year old preacher, was
invited to speak at the First Baptist Church. He was filling the pulpit for the pastor, who was out of town
that night. Those were dark days in American history – the Civil War was still raging. There was concern
on the minds of most Americans as family members and friends were fighting in the war.
Dr. Gilmore focused his message on the thought He leadeth me based on the 23rd Psalm. Dr. Gilmore
said, “I set out to give the people an exposition of the Twenty-third Psalm. I had given this exposition on
three or four other occasions; but this time I did not get beyond the words ‘He leadeth me.’ So greatly
impressed was I with the blessedness of divine guidance that I made this my theme.” He later felt that
the dark days of the Civil War may have subconsciously led him to focus on God’s leadership. After the
service Dr. Gilmore and his wife were invited to Deacon Watson’s home for a time of fellowship and
refreshment. Dr. Gilmore sat at the table of the Watson’s home enjoying refreshments and conversation
but kept thinking about what he had just preached – He leadeth me. While others were talking, he
quietly sat in his chair and took out a piece of paper, wrote all the words to the hymn He Leadeth Me,
and handed the paper to his wife. He did not think about them again.
Mrs. Gilmore, without the knowledge of her husband, sent the poem to a weekly Christian magazine in
Boston called The Watchman and the Reflector. Hymn writer William Bradbury, who owned his own
music company, saw the words in the magazine and wrote music for the poem. This became known as
the hymn He Leadeth Me.
Three years later, having pastored for some time in New Hampshire, Henry was invited to preach a trial
sermon at the Second Baptist Church in Rochester. “I picked up a church hymnal to see what songs they
sang and was surprised to have the book fall open to the very song I had written three years earlier,” he
wrote.
“When I returned home, I related this experience to my wife. ‘I do not understand it,’ I said. ‘My words
had been set to music by Dr. William B. Bradbury; yet I had not given the words to anybody.’ My wife
smiled and said, ‘I can explain it, Joseph. I felt that the words would bless the hearts of people in these
troublesome times; so I sent the poem to The Watchman and Reflector. I am glad to know that they have
printed it.'”
When the old man finished telling this story to the wrecking crew supervisor, the supervisor was so
impressed that he told the story to the new owners of the site – the United Gas and Improvement
Company. The directors of the gas company were also moved by the story, they had a bronze plaque
installed as a cornerstone on the new building they built on the site of the old First Baptist Church which
read:
He Leadeth Me, sung throughout the world, was written by Rev. Dr. Joseph Henry Gilmore, son of the
governor of New Hampshire, in the home of Deacon Watson immediately after preaching at the First
Baptist Church on the northwest corner of Broad and Arch streets on the 26th day of March 1862.
The church and Deacon Watson’s home stood on the ground which this building is erected.
The United Gas and Improvement Company in recognition of the beauty and fame of the hymn and in
remembrance of its author, makes this permanent record on the 1st day of June 1926.
The United Gas and Improvement Company’s building has been torn down, but the plaque is preserved
and is on display at the Philadelphia Historical Commission.
HISTORY OF THE SONG "I SURRENDER ALL"
"I Surrender All," a popular Christian hymn, was written in 1896 by Judson W. Van DeVenter, an
American painter and evangelist, and set to music by Winfield S. Weeden. Van DeVenter wrote the hymn
after a period of internal struggle, eventually dedicating his life to Christian service. The song reflects the
theme of total surrender to God, emphasizing free choice, humility, and a desire for relationship with
God.
Here's a more detailed look: Judson W. Van DeVenter: A painter who transitioned to music ministry and
evangelism. He wrote the lyrics after a period of struggle between his artistic talents and his call to
evangelistic work.
Winfield S. Weeden: The composer of the music for "I Surrender All". Inspiration: Van DeVenter wrote
the hymn while conducting a revival meeting in East Palestine, Ohio, following his personal surrender to
God and dedication to Christian service.
Original Form: The hymn originally had five stanzas, but the final stanza is often omitted in modern
hymnals.
Key Themes: The hymn's core message revolves around the qualities of total surrender, including free
will, humility, a desire for relationship with God, and a willingness to receive His blessings.
Structure and Lyrics: The hymn features a repeating refrain and a consistent first line in each stanza that
reinforces the theme of surrender.
Impact: "I Surrender All" has been included in over three hundred hymnals and remains a widely sung
and cherished hymn of dedication and faith.
HISTORY BEHIND THE SONG "I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS"
"‘I Have Decided to Follow Jesus’ is a Christian hymn originating from India. The lyrics are based on the
last words of a man in Garo, Assam.
About 150 years ago, there was a great revival in Wales. As a result of this, many missionaries came to
north-east India to spread the Gospel. The region known as Assam was comprised of hundreds of tribes
who were primitive and aggressive head-hunters.
Into these hostile and aggressive communities, came a group of missionaries from the American Baptist
Missions spreading the message of love, peace and hope in Jesus Christ. Naturally, they were not
welcomed. One missionary succeeded in converting a man, his wife, and two children. This man’s faith
proved contagious and many villagers began to accept Christianity.
Angry, the village chief summoned all the villagers. He then called the family who had first converted to
renounce their faith in public or face execution. Moved by the Holy Spirit, the man said: “I have decided
to follow Jesus.”
Enraged at the refusal of the man, the chief ordered his archers to arrow down the two children. As
both boys lay twitching on the floor, the chief asked, “Will you deny your faith? You have lost both your
children. You will lose your wife too.”
But the man replied: “Though no one joins me, still I will follow.”
HISTORY BEHIND THE SONG "THERE IS SUNSHINE IN MY SOUL TODAY"
The hymn "There is sunshine in my soul today" was written by Eliza Edmunds Hewitt (1851-1920) and
the music was composed by John R. Sweney. It was published in 1887 and became a popular hymn,
appearing in numerous hymnals. Hewitt was inspired to write the hymn after recovering from a body
cast and experiencing joy while walking in a park.
Eliza Edmunds Hewitt: She was a teacher in the Philadelphia public school system.
After being injured by a student and spending months in a body cast, she used this time to write poetry
and study the Scriptures.
The joy she felt after her body cast was removed and a walk in the park inspired her to write the hymn.
John R. Sweney: He was a well-known musician, credited with composing around 1,000 songs.
He composed the music for "There is sunshine in my soul today," which was published along with
Hewitt's lyrics.
