The Haven of Rest -Henry L. Gilmour

Hymns and gospel songs often use imagery from the sea to describe the storms of life and the safety that the Lord’s care can provide for the believer. Henry L. Gilmour wrote the text of this song of testimony and assurance. His experience on the open sea undoubtedly influenced the writing of “The Haven of Rest.”

Gilmour was born in Northern Ireland in 1836. When he was sixteen he went to sea to learn navigation. When the ship reached Philadelphia, he decided to stay in America. He became a painter and was painting the lighthouse at Cape May, New Jersey, where he met his future wife; they were married in 1858. During the Civil War, he was a Union Soldier with the First New Jersey Calvary. He was captured in a battle and spent several months in Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. After the war, Gilmour trained to be a dentist and worked in that field for many years.

In 1869, a Methodist church was organized, and the first meeting was held at his home in Wenonah, New Jersey. He served as choir director and Sunday school superintendent at the church for years. He became well-known as a church musician and was in demand as a song leader. He devoted his vacation time each year to leading the music in camp meetings and revivals in New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. At the Ocean Grove Camp in New Jersey, he became friends with many fine gospel songwriters and composers. In 1906, he joined with William Kirkpatrick and George Sanville to form the Praise Publishing Company in Philadelphia. Gilmour produced twenty-five songs and published more than sixteen song collections. He died in 1920, the result of a buggy accident.

“The Haven of Rest,” Gilmour’s best-known song, was probably written in 1889 and first published the following year. It tells the testimony of one who was lost on life’s sea and in need of a safe haven. When the lost soul accepts Christ as Saviour, the believer finds in Him a haven of rest and security. The last verse is an invitation for others to “come to the Saviour, he patiently waits to save…” The refrain repeats the testimony and assurance of the believer: “In Jesus I’m safe evermore.” He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven (Psalm 107: 29,30).

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