A Shelter in the Time of Storm - Vernon J. Charlesworth

The author of this hymn was Vernon J. Charlesworth, an English pastor who lived from 1839 to 1915. He made several significant contributions to Christian history, one of which was writing the biography of Rowland Hill. Hill was an English non-conformist preacher who personally financed the building of London’s Surrey Chapel. Charlesworth would later serve as an associate pastor there. In 1864 he became Headmaster of Spurgeon’s Stockwell orphanage. Spurgeon’s biographer, W.Y. Fullerton, wrote concerning Charlesworth: “His influence on the boys, his advocacy for the orphanage, and his guidance of affairs were a great asset for many years.”

Charlesworth wrote the words to the hymn “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” around 1880, and his poem was printed in a small London newspaper. Ira D. Sankey, D. L. Moody’s music director in evangelistic meetings, was in London with Moody and saw the poem in the paper. Sankey, a gospel singer and composer, thought that the hymn was sung to what he called a “weird minor melody” and decided to compose a new tune that could be sung in his evangelistic meetings with Moody. He also changed some words and added a refrain. It was first published in his “Sacred Songs and Solos” in 1885. Because of its popularity, this song was also included in Sankey’s “Gospel Hymns No. 5 in 1887. Moved by the effectiveness of this song, Sankey wrote this in his autobiography: “I found this hymn in a small paper published in London, called The Postman. It was said to be a favorite song of the fisherman on the north coast of England, and they were often heard singing it as they approached their harbors in the time of storm.” Sankey’s influence is still being felt today. He introduced an evangelistic musical style that influenced church services and revival meetings for generations, and many of the songs he wrote or published are still being sung.

“A Shelter in the Time of Storm” proclaims that Christ will be the believer’s rock and shelter, even during the storms of life when one is in a “weary land.” There are a number of verses that are reminders of the Lord’s protection and care, especially in the Psalms. Israel and the early church used the Psalms as their hymnal, and these Scriptures are as relevant to the Christian today.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. (Psalm 18:2)

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.  (Psalm 107:29)

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. (Psalm 61:3)

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