My Faith Has Found A Resting Place

The music for “My Faith Has Found A Resting Place” was written by the prolific William J. Kirkpatrick, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1838. His father was his earliest music teacher, and William edited his first hymnbook, Devotional Melodies, at age 21. He went on to write the melodies of some of our favorite hymns, including:

“A Wonderful Savior Is Jesus My Lord”

“Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus”

“Redeemed, How I Love To Proclaim It”

On the evening of September 21, 1921, Professor Kirkpatrick huddled away in his study in Germantown, Pennsylvania, working on a poem he was planning to put to music. His wife, sleeping in a nearby bedroom, awoke and noticed his study light was on. “Professor,” she called, “it’s very late, don’t you think you’d better come to bed?”  “I’m all right, dear.” he replied. “I have a little work I want to finish. Go back to sleep, everything is all right.” Mrs. Kirkpatrick went back to sleep, but awakened again later. The study light was still on, and again she called. This time there was no response. She found the Professor slumped over, his last hymn on the desk before him. It said:

Just as Thou wilt, Lord, this is my cry.  

Just as Thou wilt, to live or die.  

I am Thy servant, Thou knowest best, 

Just as Thou wilt, Lord, labor or rest.