HYMN #0965 SSS #965 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #965: When our ships have

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

When our ships have crossed the ocean,
and been all around the world,
When they safely gain the haven, and
their sails again are furled;
We rejoice to see them enter, and to
know the anchor’s cast,
Raising joyful shouts of welcome, for
our ships are home at last.
Oh what singing, oh what shouting, when our
ships come sailing home!
They have stood the mighty tempests, they
have crossed the ocean’s foam;
They have passed o’er stormy billows,
but they now have gained the shore:
The anchor’s cast, they’re home at last,
the voyage is safely o’er.

But if there is such rejoicing to see
vessels here get home,
When we know that in a little while
these ships again will roam —
Oh, what must it be in heaven when
a soul comes sailing in,
To go out no more for ever sailing on
the sea of f sin?

Oh, methinks I hear the angels shout,
"Here comes an earthly bark,
She has found her way to heaven, tho’
the way was rough and dark:
But she had a star to guide her called
the Bright and Morning Star,
It has guided millions over from that
distant land afar."

So with Jesus as our Captain we ex-
pect to gain that shore;
We expect to cast our anchor there,
and stay for evermore;
And we know the angels will be there
to greet us when we come,
They will join in songs of rapture,
Welcome home, oh, welcome home!"

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "When our ships have"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #965 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 4 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: P.M.
Stanza Structure: 4 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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