Frank Ellsworth Graeff Grave

Author: Does Jesus Care?

“What does a person do when surrounded by grief? Frank Graeff set us a good example: he worked through his heartache, and then (always the teacher!) he used his own experience to help those who would go through the same trials.” (David Russell Hamrick)

The Origins of the Hymn “Does Jesus Care?”

Among the great hymns of comfort sung by the church, few speak so directly to the heart’s deepest sorrows as “Does Jesus Care?” Its searching questions and heartfelt refrain have given voice to countless Christians wrestling with grief, loneliness, and trial. The story of its origin reveals a hymn born out of personal suffering and grounded in the assurance of Christ’s unfailing love.

The Hymn Writer: Frank Ellsworth Graeff

The text of “Does Jesus Care?” was written by Frank Ellsworth Graeff (1860–1919), a Methodist minister and hymn writer. Born in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, Graeff entered the ministry in his twenties and quickly became known as a gifted preacher with a kind, gentle spirit. Those who knew him often called him “the sunshine minister” because of his cheerful manner and encouraging presence.

Yet behind this outward brightness lay seasons of personal darkness. Graeff endured times of deep discouragement and sorrow, including trials that left him emotionally and spiritually weary. It was in such a season of testing that he turned to the promises of Scripture and found the inspiration for one of his most enduring hymns.

Inspiration from Scripture

The text of “Does Jesus Care?” is closely tied to 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” This verse became a lifeline for Graeff as he wrestled with personal pain. The hymn’s structure mirrors the cry of a troubled heart: each stanza asks, “Does Jesus care?” about various burdens of human life—discouragement, sorrow, grief, and loneliness.

The refrain responds to each question with assurance:

“O 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.”

By framing the hymn around both the question and the answer, Graeff created a text that does not deny the reality of suffering but instead acknowledges it openly while pointing believers to Christ’s compassionate heart.

The Composer: J. Lincoln Hall

The tune most commonly associated with the hymn was composed by J. Lincoln Hall (1866–1930), a leading figure in gospel hymnody and music publishing in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Hall came from a family of musicians and became a prolific composer, producing numerous gospel songs, cantatas, and hymn collections.

Hall’s melody for “Does Jesus Care?” perfectly complements the text. The verses move with a gentle, questioning tone, while the refrain rises with warmth and certainty, embodying the shift from doubt to faith. The music helped cement the hymn’s place in Christian worship, as it allowed congregations to feel the emotional journey of the words.

Publication and Spread

“Does Jesus Care?” was first published in the early 1900s in one of the many gospel song collections edited by Hall. These collections were widely used in revival meetings, Sunday schools, and church services across America. Because of its tender message and singable tune, the hymn quickly gained popularity.

Its appeal was not limited to America; it found its way into hymnals in Britain and beyond, where Christians facing trials embraced it as a source of comfort. By the mid-twentieth century, it was a standard hymn of consolation, frequently sung at funerals, hospital visits, and other times of sorrow.

The Hymn’s Enduring Message

What makes “Does Jesus Care?” enduring is its honesty. Many hymns focus on triumph and victory, but this one dares to give voice to the questions believers sometimes hesitate to admit. It asks aloud: Does Christ really care when I’m burdened, lonely, or grieving? The hymn does not dismiss the pain but meets it head-on, offering reassurance rooted in Scripture.

The refrain provides a resounding answer, affirming that Christ’s heart is indeed touched by our grief. In this way, the hymn reflects the teaching of Hebrews 4:15—that we have a High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.

Legacy of the Hymn

Though Frank Graeff may not be as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries, his hymn continues to minister across generations. It has been recorded by gospel quartets, soloists, and choirs, each lending their voice to its timeless message. Many who encounter seasons of loss find themselves comforted by its words, which remind them that Christ’s care is personal and unfailing.

Lincoln Hall, through his melody, ensured that Graeff’s heartfelt questions would live on in song. Together, their collaboration produced a hymn that has stood for more than a century as a musical balm to the suffering soul.

 Conclusion

The origins of “Does Jesus Care?” are found in the life of Frank E. Graeff, a minister who, despite being known for his cheerfulness, endured deep personal trials. Turning to Scripture for comfort, he penned a hymn that captured both the questions of a troubled heart and the assurance of Christ’s compassion. With J. Lincoln Hall’s tender melody, the hymn spread quickly and has remained a treasured source of consolation.

In times of sorrow, believers continue to sing its refrain with confidence: “O yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief.”