SAVIOUR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US

Many poems and songs have anonymous authors.  It is not very often that we get to read about one of them.  Dorothy Ann Thrupp wrote hymns and other writings under a pseudonym, or often would contribute them anonymously.  Most of her compilations were written for Children…as was the hymn in our story today. 

In the early 1830’s, she was the editor of a collection called "Hymns for The Young," and of course all the hymns were provided by Dorothy anonymously.  SAVIOUR LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAS US, her hymn text was originally written for children and was included in this collection.  Although most hymnologists attribute the words to Dorothy…the authorship is uncertain.  But then, that is what Dorothy wanted.

One thing is sure!  The composer of the music was the famous William Bradbury.  His is an inspiring story of a deep desire to encourage Christian musical education of children.  He organized and led children’s singing conventions and set out to change the normally heavy, noble and stately music of traditional hymns to lighter melodies that children would find easier and more fun to sing.  See what we mean when you sing, SAVOIUR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US.