Frank E. Graeff Grave

Hymn History: Does Jesus Care? & Author: Frank E. Graeff

“Known as the ‘sunshine minister’ of the Methodist denomination in the churches of the Philadelphia Conference, Frank Graeff was widely liked for his cheerful and winsome personality. C. Austin Miles, writer of the hymn ‘In the Garden’, said of him, ‘He is a spiritual optimist, a great friend of children; his bright sun-shining disposition attracts not only children but all with whom he comes in contact. He has a holy magnetism and a child-like faith.’”
(Institute in Basic Life Principles)

The Origin of the Hymn “Does Jesus Care?”

Among the tender and comforting hymns of the Christian faith, few have spoken so directly to the heart in times of sorrow as “Does Jesus Care?” Written in 1901 by Frank E. Graeff, this hymn was born out of deep personal suffering and a rediscovered trust in Christ’s compassion. Its message—assuring believers that Jesus truly understands and cares for every human sorrow—has made it a lasting source of comfort for more than a century.

The Life of Frank E. Graeff

Frank Ellsworth Graeff was born on December 19, 1860, in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. He entered the ministry as a young man, joining the Methodist Episcopal Church, and served faithfully as a pastor in several congregations across the Philadelphia area. Known for his kindness and cheerful nature, Graeff earned the affectionate nickname “The Sunshine Minister.” His sermons and writings often reflected his optimistic faith and his ability to encourage others.

However, behind his radiant personality, Graeff was no stranger to personal pain. Like many pastors, he experienced seasons of deep trial—moments when his outward joy was tested by inward grief. It was during one such time of hardship that he wrote “Does Jesus Care?” a hymn that speaks honestly to the struggle of suffering while holding fast to faith in Christ’s compassion.

The Burden That Inspired the Hymn

The exact nature of Graeff’s trial is not fully documented, but biographers describe it as a period of intense emotional and spiritual distress. One account suggests he faced the loss of loved ones and discouragement in his ministry. During this time, he wrestled with feelings of loneliness, doubt, and grief—questions that every believer faces at some point in life.

In the midst of this anguish, Graeff turned to the Scriptures for comfort. He found solace in 1 Peter 5:7, which says:

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

These words struck him deeply. Though he was a minister who often preached of Christ’s love, in that moment he needed to be reminded of it personally. As he meditated on the verse, the assurance of the Savior’s tender care began to quiet his troubled heart. Out of that renewed faith flowed the hymn “Does Jesus Care?”—a series of honest questions answered by a refrain of certain hope.

The Words and Their Meaning

Graeff’s hymn begins not with triumph, but with vulnerability:

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth and song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Here, he gives voice to the questions that believers often hesitate to ask aloud. The hymn does not shy away from sorrow—it acknowledges it fully. Yet after each question comes the resounding answer of faith:

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

Each verse explores a different kind of suffering—the loss of joy, the weariness of life’s burdens, the pain of losing a loved one, and the sting of temptation and failure. But every verse ends with the same unwavering declaration: Christ cares.

In simple yet deeply emotional language, Graeff reminds believers that Jesus’ compassion is not theoretical—it is personal. The refrain echoes Hebrews 4:15, which tells us that we have a High Priest who is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” Christ’s heart, Graeff assures us, is “touched with my grief.”

The Music: A Melody of Comfort

The tune that gave life to Graeff’s text was composed by J. Lincoln Hall (1866–1930), a prominent gospel musician and hymn publisher from Philadelphia. Hall was a friend of Graeff’s and recognized the power of the lyrics. He set the words to a gentle and expressive melody that perfectly matched the song’s emotional depth.

Hall’s music moves in a calm, flowing rhythm—neither overly mournful nor jubilant—allowing the text to speak directly to the heart. It carries both the question and the answer, leading singers from the valley of sorrow to the summit of comfort. The pairing of Graeff’s honest words and Hall’s tender tune gave the hymn an enduring place in Christian hymnals.

Publication and Legacy

“Does Jesus Care?” was first published in 1901 in Songs of Redemption and Praise, a gospel collection edited by Hall and others. The hymn quickly found its way into churches, evangelistic meetings, and funeral services, where its message of hope brought comfort to the grieving and weary.

Through the years, it has been recorded by choirs, gospel quartets, and soloists across denominations. Its gentle assurance continues to speak to Christians of every age and background. Even in times of doubt or despair, the hymn gives words to faith’s quiet confidence that Christ is near, feeling every pain, and sustaining every soul.

A Lasting Testimony

Frank E. Graeff’s own trials were not wasted. Out of his suffering came a song that has comforted millions. The man known as “The Sunshine Minister” taught, through his hymn, that true joy is not the absence of sorrow but the assurance of Christ’s presence in the midst of it.

More than a century later, “Does Jesus Care?” remains a beloved hymn because it meets believers where they are—sometimes weary, sometimes heartbroken, but always within reach of the Savior’s care. Its message continues to echo through the ages:

“Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares—
His heart is touched with my grief.”