I have always liked this song. Vernon Charlesworth originally wrote the words and music in 1880. But, in 1885, Ira Sankey re-wrote the music, and tells why:
“I found this hymn in a small paper published in London, called “The Postman.” It was said to be a favorite song of the fisherman on the north coast of England, and they were often heard singing it as they approached their harbors in the time of storm. As the hymn was set to weird minor tune, I decided to compose one that would be more practical, one that could be more easily sung by the people.”[1]
Sankey, Ira David. My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns. Harper & Brothers, 1906., pp. 106-7
Vernon John Charlesworth (1839 – 1915)
Son of Thomas Charlesworth of Barking and nephew of Joseph W. Charlesworth, Vicar of Heacham, Norfolk, Charlesworth was educated at Homerton College. He served as co-pastor (with Newman Hall) of Surrey Chapel (1864-69), headmaster of Charles Spurgeon’s Stockwell Orphanage (1869-1915), and a Ministering Elder of Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle. His works include:
- The Life of Rowland Hill
- Flowers and Fruits of Sacred Song and Evangelistic Hymns (in conjunction with J. Manton Smith)
The Stockwell Orphanage was for fatherless children to be able to live without charge, and given shelter, food, clothing, care, instruction and education. It had been started two years earlier and was open to orphans of all religious backgrounds. It was provided as an alternative to “poor houses” where orphans and the poor were used as slaves for businesses and given very inadequate and abusive care. The goal was to incorporate the children into large families, and to care and provide for the children as part of “normal” Christian families, instead of as if they were herds of institutionalized children. This was an expensive and tough ministry to start and maintain, but one that grew abundantly. [2]
A SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM
Words and Orig Music By: Vernon J Charlesworth, circa 1880
Music: altered by Ira D Sankey, circa 1885
"I found this hymn in a small paper published in London, called "The Postman." It was said to be a favorite song of the fisherman on the north coast of England, and they were often heard singing it as they approached their harbors in the time of storm."
My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns, by Ira D. Sankey (Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania: The Sunday School Times Company, 1907).
1. The Lord's our rock, in Him we hide,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm.
CHORUS:
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A shelter in the time of storm.
2. A shade by day, defense by night,
A shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes affright,
A shelter in the time of storm.
3. The raging storms may round us beat,
A shelter in the time of storm;
We'll never leave our safe retreat,
A shelter in the time of storm.
4. O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our helper ever near,
A shelter in the time of storm.
