Edward Mote

Edward Mote was born  in London, England.  He spent his early career as a cabinet maker.  He later became a Baptist pastor and served at Horsham, Sussex for twenty-six years.  He was so loved by members of his congregation that they once offered him the title to the church building, but he replied, "I only want the pulpit; and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that."

Here Mote ministered faithfully until forced to resign because of poor health, one year before he died on November 13, 1874. Just prior to his death, he said: "The truths I have been preaching, I am now living upon, and they do very well to die upon."

The following account was given to one of the local newspapers by Edward Mote regarding the writing of this hymn:

"One morning it came into my mind as I went to labor, to write an hymn on the "Gracious Experience of a Christian." As I went up Holborn I had the chorus, 'On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.'

"In the day, I had the first four verses complete, and wrote them off. On the Sabbath following, I met Brother King as I came out of the Lisle Street Meeting ... who informed me that his wife was very ill, and asked me to call and see her. I had an early tea and called afterwards. He said that it was his usual custom to sing a hymn, read a portion, and engage in prayer, before he went to the meeting. He looked for his hymnbook, but could find it nowhere. I said, 'I have some verses in my pocket; if you like, we could sing them.' We did, and his wife enjoyed them so much that after the service he asked me, as a favor, to leave a copy of them for his wife. I went home, and by the fireside composed the last two verses, wrote them off, and took them to Sister King."

William B. Bradbury

William Bradbury was a successful composer, also well known for making vast improvements in children's music. When he was fourteen, he  moved with his family to Boston, Massachusetts where he attended the Boston Academy of Music. It was from Sumner Hill in Boston that Bradbury learned much about music harmony.

Beginning in 1841, Bradbury was the organist at the First Baptist Church in New York City. He also worked as a choir director in several Baptist Churches, working especially well with children's choirs.  About this time, young Bradbury began giving free singing classes to children and became involved in bringing music into the New York City public-school system.

In 1847, Bradbury left his job as organist and spent two years in Europe with his family. There he studied music and teaching techniques in Germany and England.  After returning to New York, he spent much time composing tunes and compiling music collections.  Over all, Bradbury published 59 compilations of sacred as well as secular music.  Despite his  many accomplishments, he is still most widely known for his hymns.  Among his best known hymn tunes are JESUS LOVES ME,  HE LEADETH ME,  SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER, BRADBURY ("Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us") and SOLID ROCK.