O Jesus, I have promised

The composer of the tune, "Wolvercote" was
William Harold Freguson. He was born on January 1, 1874, in Leeds, and died on October 18, 1950, in Littlehampton, Sussex, England.

Ferguson was educated at Magdalen College School, Oxford, and was a chorister in the College chapel. After graduating from Keble College, he taught at St. Edward’s School, Oxford (1896-69) and Bilton Grange, Rugby (1899-1901). He later attended Cuddesdon Theological College. After ordination, he served as assistant master, chaplain, organist and director of chapel music at Lancing College (1902-13); Warden of St. Edward’s School, Oxford (1913-25); Warden of St Peter’s College, Radley, Abingdon, Oxfordshire (1925-37); and Canon and Precentor of Salisbury Cathedral (1937-47). With Geoffrey Shaw, he was joint music editor of The Public School Hymn Book in 1919.

This is one of my VERY FAVORITE tunes, but I have not had the chance to use it at all since having left England.

The wonderful text is by John Ernest Bode (186-1874) who was an Anglican clergyman serving a small parish near Cambridge. When his three children, a daughter and two sons, were ready for confirmation. Bode not only presided over their confirmation, but also wrote this hymn especially for the occasion –– telling the children that the hymn included "all the important truths I want you to remember."