In the Garden

Author: C. Austin Miles (1868–1946)
Composer: C. Austin Miles (1868–1946)
Meter: Irregular
Scripture Reference: “Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.” — John 20:18 (KJV)

The beloved hymn “In the Garden” was written in 1912 by C. Austin Miles, both the author of the lyrics and composer of the tune. Miles, a former pharmacist who had become a full-time gospel songwriter and music editor for the Hall-Mack Publishing Company, was asked by his employer, Dr. Adam Geibel, to compose a hymn that would embody “a sympathetic tone, breathing tenderness in every line; one that would bring hope to the hopeless, rest for the weary, and downy pillows to dying beds.”

In Forty Gospel Hymn Stories by George W. Sanville, Miles recounts in vivid detail the unusual and moving experience that inspired him to write the hymn:

“One day in March 1912, I was seated in the darkroom where I kept my photographic equipment and my organ. I pulled my Bible toward me. It opened to my favorite chapter, John 20—whether by chance or divine inspiration, I do not know. The story of Jesus’ meeting with Mary Magdalene had not lost its power to touch my heart.

As I read, I felt I was transported into the scene. I became an invisible witness to that sacred moment when Mary knelt before her risen Lord and cried, ‘Rabboni!’

My hands were resting on the Bible as I gazed at the light blue wall in front of me. Then, in a vision, I found myself standing at the entrance of a quiet garden. A winding path stretched ahead, shaded by olive branches. Down the path walked a woman in white, her head bowed, her hand at her throat as though holding back sobs—it was Mary. She approached the tomb, placed her hand upon it, bent down to look inside, then hurried away.

Soon, John appeared, dressed in a flowing robe, gazing at the tomb. Peter followed, entered, and was then joined by John. After they left, Mary returned, leaning against the tomb, weeping.

Then, she turned—and there stood Jesus. I, too, saw Him. I knew it was He. She knelt before Him, stretched out her arms, and said, ‘Rabboni!’

I came out of the vision abruptly, gripping my Bible with tense hands, my nerves still trembling. Moved deeply, I immediately began to write the poem just as it appears today. That very evening, I composed the music.”

The result was “In the Garden”, a hymn that soon became one of the most cherished songs in the gospel tradition. Its appeal lies in its intimate, personal portrayal of communion with the risen Christ—a quiet moment of joy and assurance in the stillness of the morning.

Following its publication, the hymn quickly gained popularity, particularly through the evangelistic campaigns of Billy Sunday, where it was frequently led by his music director, Homer Rodeheaver. Second only to “The Old Rugged Cross” in popularity, “In the Garden” has offered comfort and hope to countless believers across generations. Its message—of a Savior who knows us by name and walks with us in our moments of deepest need—continues to resonate with tender power.