Savior, Redeemer of My Soul
112

Text: Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931; LDS)
Music: Harry A. Dean (1892–1987; LDS)
Tune name: GLADYS

The Savior has made possible for us the gift of redemption in the life to come. What could we possibly do to repay this blessing? We must be forever in his debt, since it is not in our power to do or say anything that even comes close to repayment. But in this hymn, we promise to do all that is in our power: we can love the Lord, we can love and proclaim his word, and we can serve him and live in harmony with his will.

Elder Boyd K. Packer called Elder Orson F. Whitney “a gifted and inspired poet whose work is virtually unknown in the Church” (Ensign, August 1976, 64).

Orson F. Whitney expressed a lofty vision of the future contributions of Latter- day Saint authors to world literature: “We shall yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own. God’s ammunition is not exhausted. His highest spirits are held in reserve for the latter times. In God’s name and by His help we will build up a literature whose tops will touch the heaven, though its foundation may now be low on the earth” (quoted in Packer, Ensign, August 1976, 61).

In the 1950 hymnal, this hymn text appeared with two musical settings. One, a difficult choir setting by Evan Stephens, was not included in the 1985 hymnal. The hymn tune by Harry A. Dean beautifully complements the stately, worshipful movement of Orson F. Whitney’s message. The tune name, GLADYS, honors his wife, Gladys Cutler.