Hymn HIstory- Eternal Father, Strong to Save

  • January 23, 2011
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Hymn History Eternal Father, Strong to Save Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who biddest the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard And hushed their raging at Thy Word, Who walked on the foaming deep, And calm amidst its rage didst sleep; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood Upon the chaos dark and rude, And bid its angry tumult cease, And give, for wild confusion, peace; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! O Trinity of love and power! Our family shield in danger’s hour; From rock and tempest, fire and foe, Protect us wheresoever we go; Thus evermore shall rise to Thee Glad hymns of praise from land and sea. William Whiting (1825-1878) This is a famous hymn written by William Whiting. Whiting actually wrote the hymn as a poem and prayer for a friend that was leaving on a sailing trip for America around 1860. The hymn became famous as time went on and today is referred to as the “Navy Hymn” because it is sung at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It is also sung on ships of the British Royal Navy. This hymn was a favorite of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was even sung at his funeral. It was also played by the Navy Band in 1963 as President John F. Kennedy’s casket was carried up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to lie in state. Both Roosevelt and Kennedy served in the U.S. Navy.


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