William Clark Martin Grave

Hymn History: My Anchor Holds & Author: William Clark Martin

“Martin was a prolific writer of gospel verse with numerous texts appearing in early-20th-century
hymnals and song collections.”
(Hymntime.com)

The Origin of the Hymn “My Anchor Holds”

Among the hymns that speak to the steadfastness of faith in the midst of life’s storms, few are as stirring and resolute as “My Anchor Holds.” Written in 1902 by William C. Martin with music by Daniel B. Towner, this beloved hymn has encouraged generations of Christians to trust in Christ as their unshakable anchor through every trial. Its nautical imagery and triumphant refrain capture the assurance of the believer who knows that no tempest can sever the soul’s connection to its sure foundation in Christ.

The Writer: William C. Martin

William Clark Martin (1864–1914) was a Baptist minister, evangelist, and hymn writer who served several congregations in Kentucky and Texas. Like many preachers of his era, Martin was deeply influenced by the revivalist spirit sweeping across America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His sermons often emphasized personal faith, endurance, and the abiding presence of Christ—themes that naturally found their way into his hymn writing.

Martin had a gift for vivid imagery and heartfelt language. He wrote several other hymns that expressed similar confidence in God’s sustaining grace, but “My Anchor Holds” remains his best-known work. It was born out of a deep conviction that the Christian life, though often buffeted by storms, rests secure when anchored in the promises of Christ.

The Composer: Daniel B. Towner

The tune that gives the hymn its strength and vitality came from Daniel Brink Towner (1850–1919), a leading figure in the world of gospel music and one of the most respected musicians associated with the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

Towner was a close associate of evangelists Dwight L. Moody and Ira D. Sankey and served for many years as director of music at the Moody Bible Institute. He composed melodies for numerous hymns, including “Trust and Obey” and “At Calvary.” His music combined simplicity with emotional power, making it ideal for congregational singing.

When Towner received Martin’s lyrics for “My Anchor Holds,” he was immediately moved by their maritime imagery and bold declaration of faith. He crafted a tune that reflected both the turbulence of life’s storms and the calm assurance of one whose hope is fixed on Christ.

The Imagery and Message

The imagery of “My Anchor Holds” draws from the language of the sea, echoing biblical passages such as Hebrews 6:19, which speaks of “hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” For centuries, the anchor has been a symbol of Christian faith—representing stability, security, and endurance amid uncertainty.

In Martin’s hymn, the storms symbolize the trials, temptations, and hardships of life. Yet the recurring assurance throughout each stanza and the chorus is that the anchor—the believer’s faith in Christ—remains firm. The hymn begins with a vivid portrayal of danger:

“Though the angry surges roll
On my tempest-driven soul,
I am peaceful, for I know,
Wildly though the winds may blow,
I’ve an anchor safe and sure,
That can evermore endure.”

The refrain follows triumphantly:

“And it holds, my anchor holds!
Blow your wildest, then, O gale;
On my bark so small and frail,
By His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds,
My anchor holds.”

The words express the confidence of one who has faced life’s storms and found Christ faithful through them all. The smallness of the ship and the fury of the sea serve to magnify the strength of the anchor—Christ Himself—who keeps the soul secure.

Historical and Spiritual Context

At the turn of the 20th century, when Martin wrote this hymn, both he and Towner lived in a world marked by rapid change and uncertainty. Industrialization, social upheaval, and the challenges of a new century left many feeling adrift. The image of an anchor holding firm in a storm resonated deeply with congregations seeking reassurance amid shifting tides.

This hymn, like many of its era, was intended not only for Sunday worship but also for revival meetings, mission services, and personal devotion. It reflected the evangelical emphasis on personal faith and perseverance—qualities that defined the Christian experience during the great revival movements of the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Publication and Reception

“My Anchor Holds” was first published in 1902 in one of Towner’s hymn collections, likely issued by the Fleming H. Revell Company, a leading publisher of gospel music connected to the Moody Bible Institute. It was soon included in many hymnals and songbooks used in churches across North America.

The hymn’s sturdy melody and straightforward message made it a favorite for congregational singing, especially in Baptist and evangelical circles. Sailors and seafaring communities, in particular, found special meaning in its words. Over time, it became a staple in revival services and an encouragement in times of personal or national trial.

Enduring Legacy

More than a century after its writing, “My Anchor Holds” continues to be sung with conviction in churches around the world. Its message remains timeless: though the storms of life may rage, faith in Christ keeps the soul secure.

The hymn’s enduring appeal lies in its balance of realism and hope. It does not deny the presence of storms—indeed, it acknowledges them vividly—but it points believers to the steadfast strength of their Savior. Whether sung in moments of peace or in the midst of adversity, “My Anchor Holds” reminds the faithful that their hope is not in circumstances but in Christ alone.

As William C. Martin and Daniel B. Towner intended, the hymn remains both a testimony and a triumph—an anthem of assurance for all who can say, even in the fiercest gale, “By His grace, I shall not fail, for my anchor holds.”