Vernon John Charlesworth was a British pastor. He is remembered for writing a biography of Rowland Hill, a famous British nonconformist preacher, who built Surrey Chapel. Vernon later became administrator of Charles Spurgeon’s orphanage.
He wrote “A Shelter In The Time Of Storm” based on Ps32:7 – “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.”
Someone set this to music and it became popular along the coasts of England. Ira Sankey later composed this tune to the hymn. His account is as follows: I found this hymn in a small paper published in London, called “The Postman.” It was said to be a favourite song of the fishermen on the north coast of England, and they were often heard singing it as they approached their harbours in the time of storm. As the hymn was set to weird minor tune, I decided to compose one that would be more practical, one that could be more easily sung by the people.
Lyrics: Vernon J. Charlesworth
Music: Ira D. Sankey
The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain:
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
In Ira Sankey’s Sacred Songs and Solos, he quote Ps94:22 “..my God is the rock of my refuge”
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