“Lord, I’m Coming Home” was written by William James Kirkpatrick and is sometimes known by its first line, “I’ve Wandered Far Away from God.” It’s listed in most hymnals as “Lord, I’m Coming Home.” Kirkpatrick was born into a musical family, learning much from his father, who taught music. Wiliam learned a trade and spent some years as a carpenter before leaving for a lifetime as a musician and hymnist. He became the musical director at Grace Methodist Church in Philadelphia and composed over 100 hymns. He composed music for hymns such as “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It,” “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” and “He Hideth My Soul.” One of his most well-known hymns is the Christmas carol, Away in the Manger. Shortly after marrying his first wife, Kirkpatrick enlisted as a Fife-Major in the 91st Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. This was in 1861, the start of the American Civil War. He left the service in 1862 when his position was eliminated and worked some time as a carpenter. Kirkpatrick’s wife died in 1878, but he married again in 1893. What Inspired the Hymn “Lord I’m Coming Home”? William’s musical compositions grace many beloved hymns, and he lived a full and varied life. “Lord, I’m Coming Home” is unusual in that it was inspired by and written for one person.Īs the story goes, Williams wrote the hymn when he attended a series of Methodist Camp Meetings in Pennsylvania. He was moved to pray for the unsaved soloist who performed each night. One evening, the lyrics and tune to this song came to William as he prayed. He wrote them down and handed them to the soloist. The soloist sang the song the next night and, while singing the song, felt inspired to stay for the sermon. Following the sermon, the soloist responded to the altar call and received Christ.
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