Cleland Boyd McAfee Grave

Hymn History: Near to the Heart of God & Author: Cleland Boyd McAfee

“Dr. McAfee, an eminent theologian, a brilliant speaker, author of a number of books and learned papers … yet today … is best remembered for this one simple, unassuming hymn of devotion.”
(Alessandra Sorace)

The Origin of the Hymn “Near to the Heart of God”

Few hymns express the tender longing for closeness to God as beautifully as “Near to the Heart of God.” Simple, reverent, and deeply comforting, this beloved hymn arose not from triumph, but from sorrow—and it continues to offer solace to hearts seeking refuge in the love of Christ. Written in 1903 by Cleland Boyd McAfee, the hymn was born out of personal tragedy and has since become a timeless prayer of faith and peace.

The Hymnwriter: Cleland Boyd McAfee

Cleland Boyd McAfee (1866–1944) was a Presbyterian minister, theologian, and musician. Born in Missouri, McAfee grew up in a devout Christian family and went on to study theology at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He served for many years as a pastor and later as a professor of systematic theology at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

McAfee was known for his clear preaching, deep compassion, and love of music. He often led his congregation in singing hymns, sometimes writing new ones himself to fit a particular sermon or moment in the life of the church. But none of his compositions would ever be as heartfelt—or as enduring—as the one he wrote during one of the darkest moments of his life.

A Time of Deep Sorrow

In the summer of 1903, tragedy struck McAfee’s family. His brother, Howard, and his wife lost both of their young daughters to diphtheria within a very short span of time. The disease, highly contagious and often fatal at that time, required strict quarantine measures. Heartbroken, the family could not even hold a traditional funeral service or receive comfort from friends and neighbors.

For Cleland McAfee, the grief was profound. He loved his nieces dearly, and his pastoral heart ached for his brother’s sorrow. Feeling helpless to comfort them in person, he did what came most naturally to him—he turned to prayer, Scripture, and music.

In the quiet of his study, McAfee began to reflect on God’s nearness to those who suffer. His thoughts settled on Psalm 73:28, which says, “But it is good for me to draw near to God.” Out of that meditation, a hymn was born—a song of trust in the unchanging love of God, even in the midst of unbearable pain.

The Writing of the Hymn

The hymn McAfee wrote that week was short and simple—just three stanzas and a refrain—but each line carried the depth of his faith and the weight of his sorrow. The opening lines express both the ache and the comfort of drawing near to God in grief:

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

In these few words, McAfee captured the essence of the believer’s hope—a place of refuge, peace, and purity found in the presence of the Savior. The refrain, repeating the title phrase, reinforces the song’s meditative tone:

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.

Each verse deepens the sense of comfort and trust, painting a picture of divine shelter “a place of comfort sweet” and “a place where we our Savior meet.”

First Performance: A Hymn of Comfort

Because of the quarantine, McAfee’s brother’s family could not attend church or have visitors in their home. Cleland McAfee gathered the church choir at the Manse (the minister’s residence) to rehearse his new hymn. Then, on a quiet evening, they walked to Howard’s home and stood outside the quarantined house.

There, under the soft light of lanterns, the choir sang “Near to the Heart of God.” The gentle words and melody drifted through the air, carrying a message of divine love and peace to the grieving family inside.

Those who were present never forgot the moment. The hymn brought deep comfort, not only to the McAfee family but to the entire community. In the weeks that followed, it was sung repeatedly at church services and quickly spread beyond the congregation.

Musical Composition

Cleland McAfee wrote both the words and the tune, which he titled “McAfee” in hymnals. The melody is calm and reflective, perfectly matching the peaceful tone of the lyrics. It moves with quiet assurance, without grand flourishes or dramatic rises—just the steady, tender motion of faith holding fast amid sorrow.

The hymn was first published in 1903 in the Northfield Hymnal with Alexander’s Supplement and was later included in numerous collections across denominations. It soon became a beloved favorite, especially in times of loss or reflection.

Legacy and Enduring Comfort

Over the decades, “Near to the Heart of God” has remained a treasured hymn for moments of grief, prayer, and communion. It has been sung at funerals, memorials, and quiet services of worship where hearts need to be reminded of God’s abiding presence.

What makes the hymn timeless is its simplicity and sincerity. McAfee did not write from a place of theological abstraction but from the depths of personal pain. He did not try to explain suffering; instead, he pointed to the One who offers peace in the midst of it.

The hymn’s message remains universal: in the presence of Christ, there is rest, safety, and love.

Conclusion

“Near to the Heart of God” stands as a lasting testament to faith born out of sorrow. In 1903, Cleland Boyd McAfee found comfort not in answers, but in the nearness of God—and through his hymn, generations of believers have found that same comfort.

Through quiet melody and gentle words, this hymn continues to whisper its timeless truth: that in life’s deepest valleys, there remains a place of quiet rest—near to the heart of God.