He’s a Wonderful Saviour to Me -Virgil P. Brock and Blanche K. Brock

This uplifting gospel song was the first of many written by the husband and wife team of Virgil and Blanche Brock. Virgil Brock was ordained when he was nineteen, and he served as a church janitor, Sunday School teacher, song leader, and pastor.  Blanche had studied at the Indianapolis Conservatory and the American Conservatory in Chicago. They were attracted to each other by their mutual interest in music and their desire to serve the Lord. They were married in 1914.

They became known as “The Singing Brocks” as they shared a life of evangelism and music. In addition to directing the music, Virgil managed the logistics of conducting successful evangelistic meetings, including publicity and procuring adequate facilities and staff. Blanche played the piano, sang solos, and some duets with her husband. An accomplished musician, she would write down the melodies for his poems and would then harmonize them. They wrote hundreds of gospel songs. A favorite of many, this hymn and “Beyond the Sunset” are the best-known.

The inspiration for “He’s a Wonderful Saviour to Me” came from the testimony of a traveling salesman who was a member of the Gideons, a group of Christian businessmen who put Bibles in hotels and other public places. When this man spoke at a meeting where the Brocks were involved, he said several times, “He’s a wonderful Saviour to me.” Virgil was so impressed with this thought that he went to sleep that night and woke up at four o’clock in the morning singing the refrain! This awakened his wife, and he asked her to pick out his tune on the piano, which she did so she could go back to sleep! The next day, they finished the four stanzas of the song as it’s known today. It was published by Homer Rodeheaver the following year, in 1918.

This testimony song proclaims that Christ came to save lost sinners, listing the many ways He’s a wonderful Saviour. The second stanza describes Jesus as a kind and patient friend, providing for all of the believer’s needs. Stanza three says Jesus forgives sins and is always near to provide comfort. The last stanza expresses the reality that the love of Jesus grows dearer and sweeter every day. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).

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