Blessed Redeemer, the music first

“Most hymns usually begin as a poem, and an existing tune is used, or a new tune is composed to fit the text. ‘Blessed Redeemer’ began as a tune composed by Harry Dixon Loes, an admired music teacher at Moody Bible Institute who died in 1965. In 1920 he was inspired to write the music while listening to a sermon on the Blessed Redeemer. He then sent the tune to his friend, Mrs. Avis Christiansen, suggesting the title and asking her to write the lyrics.”

For more of the story, see: “Blessed Redeemer - Avis M. B. Christiansen” at Melody Moments.

1. Up Calvary’s mountain, one dreadful morn,
Walked Christ my Savior, weary and worn;
Facing for sinners death on the cross,
That He might save them from endless loss.

2. Father forgive them! thus did He pray,
E’en while His lifeblood flowed fast away;
Praying for sinners while in such woe
No one but Jesus ever loved so.

3. O how I love Him, Savior and friend,
How can my praises ever find end!
Through years unnumbered on Heaven’s shore,
My tongue shall praise Him forevermore.

Refrain:
Blessèd Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!
Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree;
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,
Blind and unheeding—dying for me!