Henry Lake Gilmour Grave

Hymn History: The Haven of Rest & Author: Henry Lake Gilmour

“Today I woke up singing the old hymn, ‘The Haven of Rest’! It was written by Henry Lake Gilmour.”
(Judy Weltin)

The Origin of the Hymn “The Haven of Rest”

“The Haven of Rest” is a deeply beloved hymn of the Christian faith, expressing the refuge and peace found in Christ amid life’s storms. Written in the late 19th century, its message of rest in the Redeemer’s love has echoed through generations of worship, offering comfort and hope to weary souls. The story of its creation—rooted in personal testimony and evangelical mission—reflects the humble faith and compassionate heart of its author, Henry Lake Gilmour.

The Author: Henry Lake Gilmour (1836–1920)

Henry Lake Gilmour was born on January 19, 1836, in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. From a young age, he showed an aptitude for music, and after immigrating to the United States at age 16, he pursued a career first in the printing trade and later in dentistry. But above all, Gilmour was a devoted Christian, active in the Methodist church and later the Holiness movement, which emphasized personal sanctification and practical godliness.

Gilmour’s path to full-time ministry was not straightforward. During the American Civil War, he served in the Union Army and was captured, spending six months as a prisoner of war. This hardship shaped his faith and deepened his appreciation for spiritual freedom and rest in Christ. His post-war years were marked by increasing involvement in church music. He became a music director, hymnwriter, and editor—eventually authoring or composing over 100 hymns and contributing to the compilation of numerous gospel songbooks.

The Hymn’s Composition

“The Haven of Rest” was written around 1890, during a time of great spiritual energy in America. The hymn’s first publication is believed to have been in Songs of Grace and Glory (1890), a songbook edited by Gilmour in collaboration with the prominent gospel composer George D. Elderkin. Its tune, also composed by Gilmour, carries the soothing rhythm and melodious simplicity characteristic of early gospel music.

The hymn grew directly out of Gilmour’s desire to encourage believers to trust in Christ amid life’s uncertainties. Its vivid maritime imagery evokes the perils of the sea—a familiar metaphor in both Scripture and hymnody. The opening stanza sets the tone:

“My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea,
So burdened with sin and distressed,
Till I heard a sweet voice, saying, ‘Make Me your choice,’
And I entered the Haven of Rest.”

Here, the “Haven of Rest” symbolizes salvation—Jesus Christ Himself—who offers refuge from the storm of sin and sorrow. This message resonated strongly with the growing revivalist movement, which emphasized personal conversion and the experiential aspect of faith.

Themes and Symbolism

The use of nautical imagery was a favorite among hymnwriters of the 19th century, and Gilmour’s hymn follows in this tradition, drawing inspiration from passages like Hebrews 6:19: “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” The anchor is a central symbol of stability and hope, themes echoed in the chorus:

“I’ve anchored my soul in the haven of rest,
I’ll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep o’er the wild, stormy deep,
In Jesus I’m safe evermore.”

The hymn’s message is unmistakably evangelical. Each stanza points the listener toward Christ as the answer to the soul’s turmoil, culminating in a final call to salvation: “O come to the Savior, He patiently waits… And say, ‘My Beloved, I’m Thine!’”

This combination of personal testimony and gospel appeal made the hymn particularly effective for evangelistic services, camp meetings, and tent revivals—contexts where Gilmour’s music was frequently used.

Reception and Legacy

As the hymn circulated in hymnals and songbooks, it quickly found favor in churches across America. Evangelists and itinerant singers adopted it widely, and it became a staple in evangelistic gatherings during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its comforting message and memorable melody ensured its enduring use.

Although Henry Gilmour is not as widely known today as other hymnwriters like Fanny Crosby or Philip Bliss, his influence remains strong through hymns like “The Haven of Rest,” “He Brought Me Out,” and “To the Work.” His work epitomized the gospel song era—simple, heartfelt, and filled with gospel truth.

A Hymn for the Soul’s Anchor

More than a century after its composition, “The Haven of Rest” continues to offer a message of divine security. In an age where uncertainties abound and people are tossed on the waves of anxiety, grief, and moral confusion, the hymn draws believers back to the steady anchor of Jesus Christ.

Henry Gallimore’s song reminds us that there is a haven for every weary soul—not found in achievement, religion, or human strength, but in the Savior who beckons us to rest in His love. And in that sheltering harbor, we find safety for now and all eternity.