Stand by Me
Hymn History
By Savannah Logan
Charles Albert Tindley, often called the “Grandfather of Gospel Songs,” was a trailblazing pastor, theologian, and hymn writer whose life and work embodied resilience, faith, and service. Born on July 7, 1851, in Berlin, Maryland, Tindley’s life began in the shadow of slavery. His father was enslaved, while his mother was free, and he grew up in a world shaped by profound inequality.
After the Civil War, Tindley moved to Philadelphia, where he took on humble jobs, including working as a brick carrier and later as a janitor at Bainbridge Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Despite never attending formal school, he taught himself to read and write, studied Hebrew with the help of a Jewish rabbi, and mastered Greek through correspondence courses. His determination and self-education enabled him to pass the Methodist ministry pastoral exam, earning one of the top scores in his class.
Tindley’s musical contributions were extraordinary, especially considering he was musically illiterate. His love for singing and writing gospel songs left a profound mark on the genre, influencing figures like Thomas Dorsey, known as the “Father of Gospel Songs.” Tindley’s hymn “Stand by Me” remains one of his most enduring works, a heartfelt lament that expresses the trials and triumphs of faith.
The hymn reflects Tindley’s life experiences, particularly his unshakable trust in God during hardship. One story illustrates this vividly: while pastoring his first church in Cape May, New Jersey, Tindley’s family faced severe poverty. During a snowstorm, with only stale bread to eat that they had to dip in water to be able to chew, he led his family in prayer, thanking God for their lives and the hope of better days. Their faith was rewarded when a man arrived with food and firewood, embodying the divine provision Tindley often preached about.
Beyond his hymns, Tindley was a powerful preacher and community leader. Known as the “Prince of Colored Preachers,” he grew the Bainbridge Street church from 300 members to over 12,500 during his tenure. After his passing in 1933, the church was renamed Tindley Temple in his honor. His legacy also includes founding one of Philadelphia’s first soup kitchens and establishing a savings and loan to help African Americans achieve homeownership.
“Stand by Me” is a hymn of lament, a form of expression found throughout the Bible, including in 42 of the 150 psalms. Tindley’s lyrics echo the struggles of biblical figures like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and Paul and Silas in prison. The hymn reassures believers that God stands with His people in their trials, as Micah 5:4 promises: “He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord.”
As we sing “Stand by Me,” we join Tindley in affirming our faith in God’s presence, even in the darkest times. His life and work remind us that faith, perseverance, and service can transform not only individual lives but entire communities for generations to come.
