Fresh Start November 2016 | Page 15

History of the Hymn
“Where He Leads Me”
Nelson Bradford

If anyone would come after me, he must . . . take up his cross and follow me. ~ Mark 8:34
This 1890 invitational hymn was written by Ernest W. Blandy. His biography has been lost to history and nothing
is known about him. The melody is a perfect fit for the deeply reflective lyrics. It was composed by pastor and
evangelist John S. Norris, who died in 1907.
Norris was born on the Isle of Wight, which is in the English Channel off the southern coast of England. His
family emigrated to Canada. In 1868, a few years after the Civil War ended, he was ordained into the Methodist
Church ministry. However, 10 years later he joined the Congregational Church and pastored churches in Canada
and the United States. Little is known of his ministry. His only legacy is the soulful tune of this simple song of
invitation and consecration.
Try to imagine what it was like in the last quarter of the 19th century, the period following the Civil War and into
the days of the Industrial Age with its infamous robber barons. Giving deep meaning to the social upheaval of
that time are the words of this familiar song . . .
I can hear my Savior calling;
I can hear my Savior calling;
I can hear my Savior calling,
“Take thy cross and follow, follow Me.”
Refrain
Where He leads me I will follow;
Where He leads me I will follow;
Where He leads me I will follow;
I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way.
- Ernest W. Blandy, 1890
Copied from Sing to the Lord © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Company
Hymn commentary courtesy J. D. Sherrow

October Edition

15