Mary Bridges Canady Slade Grave

Hymn History: Footsteps of Jesus & Author: Mary Bridges Canady Slade

“She and her husband were active in the Underground Railroad. … She authored children’s magazine Wide-Awake and Sunday school materials, primarily for training teachers.”
(Bible Exchange)

The Origin of the Hymn “Footsteps of Jesus”

Among the tender and devotional hymns that call believers to follow Christ in daily life, few are as beloved as “Footsteps of Jesus.” Its gentle melody and simple refrain—“Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow; we will follow the steps of Jesus where’er they go”—have echoed through churches, Sunday schools, and revival meetings for generations. The hymn beautifully expresses the Christian’s desire to walk in the footsteps of the Savior, following His example in love, humility, and obedience.

The story behind “Footsteps of Jesus” reflects the faith and ministry of two devout servants of God—Mary Bridges Canedy Slade, who wrote the words, and Asa Brooks Everett, who composed the music. Their collaboration in the late nineteenth century produced one of the most enduring songs of Christian discipleship.

The Hymn Writer: Mary Bridges Canedy Slade

Mary Bridges Canedy Slade (1826–1882) was an American teacher, writer, and editor from Fall River, Massachusetts. The daughter of a Baptist minister, she grew up in an atmosphere of faith, education, and service. She became the wife of Dr. Daniel Slade, a physician, and the mother of several children, yet she continued to use her literary gifts in the Lord’s work.

Slade served for a time as associate editor of The New England Journal of Education, and she wrote poetry, stories, and hymns that reflected her Christian convictions. Her hymns were simple, direct, and deeply heartfelt—well suited for Sunday schools and revival meetings of her time. She often wrote under the signature “Mrs. M. B. Slade,” and her works appeared in collections edited by leading gospel music figures such as Robert Lowry and William Doane.

Slade’s life and writing were guided by her strong sense of Christian purpose. She believed that faith was not only to be professed but practiced daily in the ordinary paths of life. That belief is clearly reflected in the words of “Footsteps of Jesus.”

The Composer: Asa Brooks Everett

The tune for “Footsteps of Jesus” was composed by Asa Brooks Everett (1828–1875), a talented American musician, composer, and teacher from Virginia. Everett studied music in Leipzig, Germany—one of the leading centers for classical training in the nineteenth century—before returning to the United States, where he devoted his life to teaching and publishing sacred music.

Everett collaborated with several prominent gospel song editors, including B. F. White, William B. Bradbury, and T. E. Perkins. He composed and harmonized numerous hymns and published several collections of church and Sunday school songs. His music was known for its singable quality and emotional warmth—qualities that made his melodies ideal for congregational use.

When Everett composed the tune for Slade’s poem “Footsteps of Jesus” around 1871, he provided a setting that perfectly matched the text’s tone of gentle devotion. His tune, titled “Footsteps,” carries a soft, reverent character, leading singers not to triumphal shouting but to quiet commitment and love.

The Message of the Hymn

At its heart, “Footsteps of Jesus” is a hymn of discipleship—a call to follow Christ wherever He leads. The first verse sets the tone of surrender and trust:

Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,
Come, follow Me!
And we see where Thy footprints falling
Lead us to Thee.

The language draws directly from the Gospels, where Jesus called His first disciples with the words, “Follow Me.” The hymn transforms that call into a personal prayer, expressing the believer’s desire to walk in the same path of service and obedience.

Each stanza portrays different places where Christ’s “footsteps” may lead—into homes of sorrow, through the streets of service, or to the cross itself. The fourth stanza captures the ultimate goal of Christian pilgrimage:

Then at last, when on high He sees us,
Our journey done,
We will rest where the steps of Jesus
End at His throne.

This progression—from hearing Christ’s call, to walking with Him in daily life, to resting with Him in heaven—makes the hymn both a song of commitment and of eternal hope.

Publication and Early Use

“Footsteps of Jesus” first appeared in the 1871 collection The Amaranth, compiled by Asa B. Everett and Robert Lowry. It quickly gained popularity among Sunday schools, revival gatherings, and church services across America. Its message was clear and universal—no matter one’s station in life, every believer could follow the Savior’s example of love and service.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the hymn had been included in numerous denominational hymnals. Its simplicity made it especially suitable for congregational singing, children’s ministries, and missionary gatherings.

Enduring Popularity and Meaning

The enduring charm of “Footsteps of Jesus” lies in its sincerity. It does not employ complex theological language or poetic flourish. Instead, it speaks in the quiet tones of faith and obedience. It reminds believers that discipleship is not merely about belief but about walking daily in the way of Christ—through compassion, humility, and steadfast trust.

The refrain—

Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus where’er they go—

—captures the heart of Christian faith in just a few words. It expresses both a declaration of loyalty and a vision of light, suggesting that following Christ brings illumination to life’s path.

Through the decades, “Footsteps of Jesus” has been sung at countless church services, revivals, baptisms, and funerals. It continues to appear in hymnals across denominations, a testimony to its enduring spiritual appeal.

Legacy

Both Mary B. Slade and Asa B. Everett left behind lasting contributions to Christian hymnody, though neither lived to see the full impact of their work. Yet their collaboration on “Footsteps of Jesus” produced a hymn that has comforted and inspired believers for more than 150 years.

In every generation, Christians have found strength in its message: that the truest joy and peace come not from walking one’s own way, but from following the steps of the Savior. As long as hearts continue to seek Christ’s guidance, the gentle strains of “Footsteps of Jesus” will continue to lead believers along the radiant path of faith—“where’er they go.”