Jesus Saviour Pilot Me

Grade Level 2

Year: 1999

Type: Hymn/Song Arrangement

Composer: Robert Redhead

Program Notes:

During a terrible storm on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples cried out, ”Lord, save us, we perish.”  The response of the Lord Jesus was instant, and he arose and rebuked the winds of the storm and calmed the seas.  This hymn expresses in 19th century sailor’s language, the universal need for divine help.  The writer, Dr. Edward Hopper, was a gentle, humble Presbyterian minister, with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.  He wrote the song, “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me”, for the spiritual needs of the sailors to whom he ministered at the small Church of the Sea and Land in the New York harbor area, where he served faithfully until his death in 1888. 

Kenneth W. Osbeck reports that at Dr. Hopper’s funeral, the following tribute was shared with the congregation: ‘Suddenly the gentle, affectionate spirit of Edward Hopper entered the heavenly port, as he had requested – safely piloted by that never-failing friend, Jesus, whose divine voice was still tenderly whispering to him, ‘Fear not, I will pilot thee.’”

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)