Religion: A Pastor Ponders

An Abiding Presence

by Pastor William Jenkins

Submitted for June 10, 2005

Returning from Galveston a few years ago I noticed in one of the towns along the way a small church called “Abiding Savior Lutheran Church”. I had never seen a church named “Abiding Savior”. I do remember one time seeing a church named “Corinth” and wondered why anyone would name a church after that infamous congregation.

“Abiding Savior” has such a winsome quality. It suggests a divine Presence permeating the atmosphere. It offers a relationship that is lasting. “Abiding Savior” rolls off the tongue gently and rests easy in the mind. It raises expectations of hope and help, of peace and security.

Henry Francis Lyte had been the parish minister for twenty-three years in the little seaside village of Lower Brixham, England. One Sunday afternoon he walked alone beside the sea. He had administered his last Communion and preached his last sermon in the village church he loved so well. His failing health was necessitating a move to a dryer climate.

As Rev. Lyte walked along the shore his mind was flooded with memories of the years and an awareness of his mortality. He sensed a divine Presence with him. Lines of poetry took shape in his mind. He transferred then to a scrap of paper. That evening he gave his new poem to a dear friend.

A few days later he crossed the English Channel in route to Italy. Before a month had passed, Henry Lyte died. His body was brought back to Brixham and laid to rest in the church graveyard.

A few years later his poem was discovered by a church musician who wrote the tune “Eventide” for it. Henry Lyte’s poem is sung in many churches under the title “Abide With Me”. I’m guessing it is sung often in that little “Abiding Savior” church.

The next time you are in church, pick up a song book and ponder upon the lines of “Abide With Me”. Remember the story of Henry Lyte and give thanks for the encouragement you receive from his poem.

Posted on July 13, 2005

League City United Methodist Church is located at 1411 Main Street (FM 518), one block east of Interstate 45. For information, call the church offices at 281-332-1557 or visit the website at

HYPERLINK - http://www.lcumc.org