Priscilla Owens (1829–1907) was a Sunday school teacher at the Union Square Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

[2] The hymn has always been closely associated with the Boys' Brigade founded by Sir William Alexander Smith, which has the motto, "Sure and Steadfast".

[5] First of five verses: Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?

When the strong tides lift and the cables strain, Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Refrain: We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.