Born in Ireland in 1838, William J. Kirkpatrick came into this world with a song in his heart. A choir director, organist, lyricist, and composer for all of his adult life, William is credited for writing many of the beloved hymns we still sing today. Many poems from the pens of others were set to music composed by William. One in particular was a poem by Priscilla Owens, and Christians all around the world can be heard singing,
“We have heard a joyful sound;
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!”
He wrote the music for a poem composed by Louisa Stead, and today our hearts swell as we sing,
“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.
Just to take Him at His word.”
In 1902, William was serving as song leader for a camp meeting in rural Pennsylvania. A young man had been assigned to help him. This young man possessed a magnificent voice that brought tears to the eyes of many of his listeners. But William had a burden for the young soloist’s soul. Uncertain about the singer’s sincerity, he watched as the evangelist’s sermons appeared to have little or no effect on the young man.
Night after night, William prayed for this young man. He was so gifted; imagine how much more glorious it would be if he could sing of God from a converted heart.
William came upon a unique idea and he asked the Lord to give him a song that would touch this young heart. And God answered. William sat down and wrote both words and music to one of the most well-known and touching altar call hymns ever written.
Later, at the beginning of an evening service, he gave the song to the young man and asked him to sing it during the meeting. He did and at the end of the service, during the closing altar call, this young man gave his heart to Jesus Christ.
I’ve wandered far away from God,
Now I’m coming home;
The paths of sin too long I’ve trod,
Lord, I’m coming home.
I’ve wasted many precious years,
Now I’m coming home;
I now repent with bitter tears;
Lord, I’m coming home.
I’m tired of sin and straying, Lord,
Now I’m coming home;
I’ll trust Thy love, believe Thy word;
Lord, I’m coming home.
My only hope, my only plea,
Now I’m coming home;
That Jesus died, and died for me;
Lord, I’m coming home.
I need His cleansing blood I know,
Now I’m coming home;
O wash me whiter than the snow;
Lord, I’m coming home.
Coming home, coming home
Nevermore to roam;
Open wide Thine arms of love;
Lord, I’m coming home.
In 1921, William J. Kirkpatrick was 83 years old. One night, he sat down at his desk and began to write what would be his last song. Mrs. Kirkpatrick found her husband, there at his desk, verses unfinished, pencil still in his hand, having left this world as he had entered it: with a song in his heart.
Friends, can you imagine it. Millions upon millions, standing on the sea of glass, and how many of them will say that they gave their hearts to Jesus while responding to a song written to save the soul of one man.
Sources: iblp.org/hymn-history-lord-im-coming-home; A Hymn is Born, Clint Bonner, Broadman Press 1959