Cecil Frances Alexander, nee Humpreys (1818-1895; see SDAH 93), wrote this hymn of five stanzas for St. Andrew’s Day; it appeared in Hymns for Public Worship in 1852. It is based on the call of the disciples; “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother . . . . And he saith unto them, Follow Me” (Matt.4:18, 19). The less prominent apostle, Andrew, is referred to in the omitted stanza:

                                    2. As of old St. Andrew heard it 

                                        By the Galilean lake,  

                                        Turned from home, and toil, and kindred,

                                        Leaving all for His dear sake.

Alexander also wrote SDAH 93, “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” SDAH 149, “Once in Royal David’s  City ,” and SDAH 164, “There Is a Green Hill Far Away,”. 

       GALILEE was composed by William Herbert Jude especially for these words; it was first published in 1887 in Congregational Church Hymns, Jude was born in Westleton, Suffolk, England, in September 1851, and became organist at the Blue Coat Hospital, Liverpool; in 1889 he became organist at the Stretford Town Hall, Greater Manchester. He traveled extensively in Great Britain and Australia, lecturing and giving recitals. He edited several songs, and anthems. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and died at Willesden, London, on August 8, 1922.