This gospel song expressing the joy of God’s presence was written by Henry J. Zelley. He was born in New Jersey in 1859 and faithfully served as a Methodist pastor for more than fifty years. He ministered in nineteen different churches and was known for his evangelistic spirit. He was considered an enthusiastic “fisher of men.” He also found time to write more than 1,500 poems, hymns, and gospel songs.
In 1899, Zelley’s friend George H. Cook brought the pastor a tune he had written, asking if Zelley could write some words for it. Cook was involved in church music and was a preacher, singer, and composer. The result of their collaboration was the gospel song “Heavenly Sunlight,” which has been sung for more than a century. It was first published in 1903 in “Songs of Praise and Salvation.”
“Heavenly Sunlight” is still sung today, but it might have been forgotten if not for an evangelistic radio program. In 1942, the song’s refrain was adapted for the opening music on the “Old Fashioned Revival Hour.” The word “sunlight” was changed to “sunshine.” The program aired globally until 1968. During World War II, the broadcast was moved from a studio to the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, where thousands of servicemen, on their way to the Pacific, attended and responded to the gospel.
The song describes Henry Zelley’s life: “walking in sunlight all of my journey.” He walked close to the Lord and lived a life of praise, rejoicing in the sunlight of God’s love.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Walking in sunlight, all of my journey;
Over the mountains, through the deep vale;
Jesus has said I’ll never forsake thee,
Promise divine that never can fail.
Refrain:
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight;
Flooding my soul with glory divine:
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.
Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Saviour and guide;
He is the light, in him is no darkness,
Ever I’m walking close to his side.
In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing his praises, gladly I’m walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.
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