O hear us when we pray, and keep them safe from peril in the deep. David B. Miller, 1965.

Clarinet score of the Navy Hymn, and a choir singer at the schools dedication ceremonies, 27 October 1961.

Reverend Whiting (18251878) resided on the English coast near the sea and had once survived a furious storm in the Mediterranean.

His experiences inspired him to pen the ode, Eternal Father, Strong to Save.

In the following year, 1861, the words were adapted to music by another English clergyman, the Reverend John B.

Dykes (18231876), who had originally written the music as Melita (ancient name for the Mediterranean island of Malta).

Reverend Dykes name may be recognized as that of the composer given credit for the music to many other well-known hymns, including Holy, Holy, Holy, Lead, Kindly Light, Jesus, Lover of My Soul, and Nearer, My God to Thee.

In that year, Lieutenant Commander Train inaugurated the present practice of concluding each Sundays Divine Services at the Academy with the singing of the first verse of this hymn.

It can be more easily located in these hymnals by consulting the Index to First Lines under Eternal Father, Strong to Save.

The words have been changed several times since the original hymn by Reverend Whiting was first published in 186061.

One will find that the verses as now published differ from the original primarily in the choice of one or two words in several lines of each verse.

However, inasmuch as it is not known whether the original words are now available in a hymnal, those original words are given below.

These substitutions give recognition to changing aspects of our culture, particularly the advent of additional modes of transportation the automobile and the airplane.

The best information available indicates that this new verse to Eternal Father, Strong to Save appeared in 1943 in a little booklet then entitled, A book of Worship and Devotion for the Armed Forces, published by the Board of Christian Education of the Presbyterian Church, USA.

All indications are that this new verse can be traced back to a completely separate hymn, Lord, Guard and Guide the Men Who Fly written by Mary C.D.

Hamilton in 1915, during the First World War.

From this hymn, the first verse and the last two lines to the fourth verse were taken to form this new verse to Eternal Father, Strong to Save.

This new verse, as appearing in the little Presbyterian booklet, is as follows.

O God, protect the men who fly, Through lonely ways beneath the sky.

The adaptation changed a word or two here and there and substituted two new fifth and six lines.

What some might call the naval aviation version is a follows.

O, Hear us when we lift our prayer, For those in peril in the air.

Research indicates that the above additions and alterations to Reverend Whitings original ode are not the only changes that have been or will be made to the hymn.

From time to time, individuals have been and will be inspired to write verses other than those which are indicated in this brief background.

O grant them peace of heart and mind, And comfort loved ones left behind.

Lord, hear our prayer for all Seabees, Whereer they be on land or sea.

R.J. Dietrich, 1960.

David B. Miller, 1965.

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