The hymn "Saviour, again to thy dear Name we raise" is a beloved and widely used hymn, particularly known for its role as an evening hymn or a benediction hymn sung at the close of services. Here's a look at its history: 1. **The Author (Words): John Ellerton (1826-1893)** * John Ellerton was an Anglican clergyman and one of the most prolific and significant English hymn writers of the 19th century. He contributed to the creation and revision of many hymnals of his time. * He wrote "Saviour, again to thy dear Name we raise" in **1866**. It was first published in a collection called "Hymns for Schools and Missions" that same year. * Ellerton wrote many hymns specifically for different times of day or occasions, and this hymn was conceived as an evening prayer or a hymn for the close of a service, reflecting on the day past and looking for God's continued blessing. 2. **The Tune (ELLERS): Edward John Hopkins (1818-1901)** * While Ellerton's words are beautiful, a significant part of the hymn's enduring popularity comes from the tune most commonly associated with it: **ELLERS**. * This tune was composed specifically for Ellerton's hymn in **1869** by Edward John Hopkins. Hopkins was a renowned English organist and composer, serving for many years as the organist at Temple Church in London. * He named the tune "ELLERS" in tribute to the hymn's author, John Ellerton. The melody is gentle, flowing, and perfectly suited to the reflective and prayerful nature of the text. 3. **Publication and Popularity:** * The hymn, with Hopkins's tune, gained widespread recognition when it was published in the influential hymnal **"Church Hymns" (SPCK) in 1871** and later in **"Hymns Ancient and Modern" in 1875**. These hymnals helped to disseminate the hymn across the English-speaking world. * It quickly became a standard in churches of various denominations due to its appropriate text for closing services, its beautiful and memorable tune, and its overarching theme of praise, thanksgiving, and reliance on God. **Themes and Significance:** The hymn serves as a prayer of thanksgiving for the day's blessings, an acknowledgment of God's presence, and a plea for guidance and protection through the coming night and into the future. It encapsulates: * **Praise and Worship:** "Saviour, again to thy dear Name we raise / With one accord our parting hymn of praise." * **Reflection:** A moment to look back on the service or day. * **Benediction and Blessing:** A desire for God's peace and blessing as people depart. * **Future Hope:** "Grant us thy peace upon our homeward way" and looking forward to future worship "Till in thy house we meet to part no more." "Saviour, again to thy dear Name we raise" remains one of John Ellerton's most beloved hymns, largely due to the seamless blend of his thoughtful text with Edward John Hopkins's exquisite and enduring tune, ELLERS.