 Through 2010, Wordwise Hymns featured an Almanac of significant dates in hymn history. From 2011 and on, posts will provide further Reflections on our hymns from a biblical perspective, better equipping us to “sing praises with understanding” (Ps. 47:7).There is an alphabetical index (see Hymn Index tab above), listing the titles of the songs. (Links in the index will be activated as these songs appear in the blog.) As well as being cross-linked to the 2010 Almanac, articles are linked to the original 1996 Cyber Hymnal. Unless otherwise specified, stanzas are numbered as they appear there, for example, CH-3, or CH-5.
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This is a blog site about Christian hymns. Years ago, an edition of the Guinness Book of World Records estimated that close to a million hymns have been written in the last 2,000 years. That’s a lot of music! Obviously hymn singing is an important part of the services of the church, and of the lives of believers. Has been for centuries. Why? What’s it for? And are we getting the most out of it? (Or giving our best to it?)
My Purpose
The Bible says we’re to “Sing praises with understanding” (Psalm 47:7). In four words, that verse presents my basic goal: to share insights that can lead to more meaningful and effective hymn singing.
My purpose for these postings is to discuss the music we use in our churches–particularly our traditional hymns and gospel songs. To look at them in relation to what the Bible says. I write from a conservative evangelical point of view, with full confidence in the trustworthiness of the Word of God. I want the hymns that I sing to reflect that. I hope you do too!
Today – A Hymn Almanac
The 2010 almanac was something different, a unique feature of the blog. To my knowledge it had never been done before. Each day’s posting described something that happened on that particular day relating to the history of our hymns and their creators.Reflections
As of 2011 and on, Lord willing, my plan is to examine the hymns of the church from a biblical point of view, identifying themes, and discussing their meaning. Each blog will be linked to material that has gone before, so that you will miss nothing from the earlier posts.
Let’s Chat
I encourage you to make this a dialogue. Then we’ll all benefit. We won’t always agree, but let’s respect one another’s right to have a point of view. As the saying goes, it’s possible to disagree without being disagreeable! With that consideration, comments and questions are welcome!
The church on earth has suffered greatly over the years from attempts, by individuals and groups, who wish to bring about change. Some of these changes include basic theological and scriptural changes. Others have been attempted to change styles of worship, to revised liturgy.
Some of these changes have enriched and strengthened the church. Others have brought nothing but intensive pain, misunderstandings and ultimately divisions. There has been none greater than the current trend to get rid of the old hymns and songs of the church in favour of new choruses and new ways of expressing our worship. Don’t get me wrong I do enjoy singing some of the new choruses but like everything else…only in moderation. I have been in services where chorus singing has taken up half of the service including singing the same song over and over again leaving less time for the reading of scripture, prayer and the sermon. I have also been a part of a worshiping community where the older people in the church, who built and grew the church, were told to either get with the new choruses or find another place to worship. What a shame and disgrace to the body of Christ!
It is a breath of fresh air to see my friend of over 40 years create a website that not only respects the hymns of the faith but has taken the time and energy to research the history and context in which the great old hymns were written by men and women of faith and devotion. Perhaps in doing so the church will gain a new appreciation for the place our old hymns have played in our personal and collective journey toward our personal faith and corporate worship. Perhaps it will also result in a greater balance in our styles of music so that both the young an the old will feel they belong in the worship of Christ on Sunday morning.
By: Don Peake on June 1, 2009
at 4:10 pm
I not only agree. Couldn’t have said it better Don. I too have experienced the disenfranchising of older members of the congregation in favour of a youth movement. But we need both–the enthusiasm and energy of youth, and the wisdom and experience of age. And to ignore the heritage Christians have in their hymns is tragic.
By: rcottrill on June 2, 2009
at 1:18 pm
I was saved almost fifty years ago, and I learned many if the grand old hymns of our faith back when they were more popular than they are today. When I would visit a church while on vacation and they would sing one of the old gospel favorites, I felt like I was among close friends. But the Maranantha movement brought in the contemporary courses that almost dominate the church music today. The guitars, drums, and overhead projectors have almost replaced the hymn book. Many churches have abandoned the pulpit and the preacher just walks back and forth in front of the congregation. I am now in my 70s and I just feel out of place when I go to church today. The church I attend hasn’t sung the Doxology in the five years I have attended. Oh, that the Lord would lead me to a church where I could feel “at home” again!
By: Robert Baker on January 27, 2010
at 2:33 am
My heart goes out to you, brother, and I agree with your assessment. It’s not that everything new is junk, any more than everything old being golden. But 2,000 years of hymnody have left us a glorious heritage that must not be abandoned. The tiny Baptist church my wife and I currently attend uses mostly the old hymns and gospel songs, sung from the hymn book. And there is another church about 40 minutes from us that does the same. I’m not associated with the Independent Baptists, but I know their churches have kept the faith with regard to music too. So churches that use hymns do exist. The trick is to find them!
As to using hymn books, again I agree. In our church, we do use the overhead for an occasional chorus, but most of our singing by far comes from the books. Members of the congregation should not only use hymn books at church, they should have a copy at home so they can read and study the hymns as a part of their devotions. And those who are able to sing a part will appreciate having the notes before them. (Perhaps you’d enjoy reading my article on the benefits of singing in harmony. See http://www.wordwise-bible-studies.com/singing-in-harmony.html ) Words on a wall are so fleeting. Here one moment, gone the next. Now many churches are putting Scripture passages on the wall too, which I believe discourages folks from bringing a Bible.
God bless you. Thanks for sharing.
By: rcottrill on January 27, 2010
at 11:36 am
Hello Bob:
This is my first look at your blog! During a search on “traditional sacred music,” your site came through. I am one of the very few radio managers left in America that uses the traditional hymns and songs on the air.
As it goes with the churches, so it goes with popular Christian radio. I am all for excitement in serving the Lord and in witnessing unto Him, for energy and meaning in worship. At the same time, I cannot picture the Lord hip-hopping and snapping His fingers to the rhythm and emotion of most of today’s pop music in the church and on Christian radio. That picture does not make sense. I know the current pop Chrsitian musicians are sincere and love Jesus, too. I respect that. I know some of these brothers and sisters.
So it is not an issue of sincerity, nor of blessing. I am sure there is some worship, scripture, and truth coming through for them in their music. Yet, for me, there is that tension that I cannot resolve. So I rest it there and program as I believe would be pleasing to God.
I also do not agree that youth need their own music in the church. The same “youth-appropriate” music and dialogue was used in the mainline denominational church where I attended as a teenager in the 1960s. I did not relate with it. I preferred the sacred hymns and classical music. They occasionally had parties in the church youth group with loud rock music, and it grated on my nerves. I know of youth today who do not need it either. They are spiritually-minded, excited, and moved in the traditional services with the hymns, conservative gospel songs and fellowship with other youth and adults.
It would be good to review your writings! I would like to learn more of the text of the old hymns as I continue to be a student of God’s Word, of music, and of how to program a truly Christian radio station. I am leaving the manager position now and am seeking the Lord about a new Christian communications ministry that will include music. Perhaps it will be radio. Pray with me. Thank you.
By: Kimball Cummings Jr. on June 20, 2011
at 10:30 am
Delighted to hear from you, and read your perceptive comments. And I agree: gospel songs and hymns are not good simply because they’re older, nor are contemporary songs bad simply because their newer. There were some trite and mediocre songs written in former times, and there’ve been some excellent ones written in more recent years. (“God, and God Alone” dramatically sounds an important truth. And “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” is both incredibly beautiful and heart-rending.) Nevertheless, speaking generally, there is a richness of doctrine and a depth of devotion in the great hymns of the faith that is unmatched in any contemporary songs. Church leaders do a great disservice to their congregation when they abandon the hymn book. People are being robbed of their Christian heritage.
For some years, I taught a college class on the subject of a biblical philosophy of Christian music. I’ve heard all the arguments, but they are seriously flawed. One that’s come up often is the complaint that the language of our traditional hymnody is archaic, that we don’t talk that way any longer. So, must we abandon Shakespeare and Dickens for the same reason? Isn’t it possible to explain occasional unfamiliar words to a congregation? We insult their intelligence if we think they wouldn’t be able to grasp that “Lord Sabaoth” in Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress” simply means Lord of hosts–Lord of the angelic armies of heaven. In any event, is it wrong to have a devotional language that is somewhat distinct from our everyday language? Separated (holy) and utterly distinct is what God is. Calling Him “the man upstairs” does not show Him due reverence.
And no, young people don’t need their own music. That is a clever ploy of the devil that has only been in evidence for the past 30 or 40 years. It has helped to create the “generation gap,” and fostered youthful rebellion. And instead of standing their ground, many churches have capitulated. (“After all, we need to rock the music on Sunday morning, or we might lose our young people.”) In effect, this means immature teens are determining the music policy of the church. Many seniors have been forced out the door, because their needs are not being addressed. I preached in a church one time where the seniors were all bunched in the back few pews, because they couldn’t handle the deafening thunder coming from an array of speakers at the front.
This is so sad! Have you read T. David Gordon’s book Why Johnny Can’t Sing Hymns (P & R Publishing, 2010)? Dr. Gordon comes from a more liturgical tradition than I do, and I don’t agree with him on everything. But this is a thought-provoking and important book. And a scholarly book. Not light reading, in spite of the breezy title. Gordon is a media ecologist (a branch of cultural anthropology). He contends that the floodtide of contemporary music has made it virtually impossible for church congregations to understand and appreciate hymns. To my mind, he makes a convincing argument.
Thank you again for contacting me. I hope you’ll find some interesting and helpful things on my blog. Drop by any time.
By: rcottrill on June 20, 2011
at 12:40 pm
Hi Bob,
Beth gave me your blog site and so I have been snooping around. I’d say you are most ambitious to be posting your writing everyday. However, you have quite a backlog of work to pull from for resource.
Bless you as you do this – many will be so delightfully informed from all you share.
With care,
Lynn
By: Lynn Severance on June 2, 2009
at 1:38 am
Thanks Lynn. Snoop away! Yes, doing daily posts is a bit of a trick. Some of the information I have in my head, but I can’t really trust my memory. Need to check details to try to get them right. Getting something for every single day of the year took some doing. (Even have stuff for Feb. 29th, when we have one!) God bless.
By: rcottrill on June 2, 2009
at 1:15 pm
Thanks for commenting at Hiddenart and bringing to my attention your fine blog. I look forward to exploring it. I know I will appreciate it because I enjoy what I learn at Cyberhymnal. Blessings fm GA, Dana
By: Dana on August 6, 2009
at 7:05 am
Glad you keep tabs on the Cyber Hymnal. I’ve contributed bits and pieces to Dick Adams’s wonderful site practically since he began it about 12 years ago. Sadly, hymns have fallen into disuse in some churches, and folks are unaware of the great treasure there. We’re doing our bit to reverse the trend.
By: rcottrill on August 6, 2009
at 9:15 am
Thank you, Robert, for your comment on my blog. It is a very humble spot on the net, particularly with regard to my knowledge of hymns. Your spot here is GREAT, and I will forward to my friends.
Bless you,
Janis Justus
“Our Cross Stitching Home”
By: Janis Justus on August 14, 2009
at 7:43 am
Thanks for your willingness to spread the word. Sadly, in some churches, the hymn book is gathering dust–or it’s been removed altogether. But it’s important not to lose sight of our Christian heritage, and of the spiritual insights and teaching these songs contain. Again, God bless.
By: rcottrill on August 14, 2009
at 8:19 am
Robert,
I am really impressed with what you have done here, and appreciate your response to my blog. (How I wish someone had come up with a more elegant word than blog!) I suspect it is true for most of us that when we don’t know quite what to do, or when we are fully present, the words of a hymn come to mind. Suddenly, we need a “closer walk with thee,” we ask Jesus to “come by here,” because “now is a needed time.” Well, good work! Thanks so much.
By: Larry Pray on August 19, 2009
at 8:28 am
A more elegant word than blog? Yes, I agree. And Web log (weblog?), the antecedent, has only two more letters, but sounds better to me. It connotes both a connection with others and a concrete record of that connection. Ah well, seems it’s the trend of the times to boil everything down to an ugly minimum that only means something to the initiated. (Look at text messaging!) In any event, thanks for the encouraging words, and God bless.
By: rcottrill on August 19, 2009
at 8:37 am
Hi!
I recently lost my mother (my heart is broken) and am in the process of writing a tribute to her. One of her and her mother’s favorite hymns was Charles A. Tindley’s “Some Day/Beams of Heaven.” How do I find out who owns the publishing rights to this song so that I can reproduce it in a book?
Thank you and thanks for the wonderful history you provided about Mr. Tindley.
Kg
By: Karin on August 26, 2009
at 7:42 am
I have good news for you! Since Charles Tindley’s hymn Some Day was published in 1906, it appears now to be in the Public Domain, which means it can be copied without special permission. I’m sorry for your loss, and trust the Lord will bring comfort and encouragement through this time. God bless.
By: rcottrill on August 26, 2009
at 7:56 am
I decided to re-post Keys’ hymn -Before You Lord We Bow- and read your comment-thank you.
C-CS
By: carol on September 6, 2009
at 2:22 pm
You’re welcome! I had to check back and see where I commented on Keys’ hymn. (It was August 1st.) Great song for us Canadians as well as the United States.
By: rcottrill on September 6, 2009
at 2:36 pm
Thank you, Brother Cottrill, for all the effort you have put in to sharing about the Hymns of the Church. I started listing just the songs I knew, but before I really realized it, I added Hymns that I thought were important to English Hymnody even though I do not know them. (Of course, I could learn others with either a recording to listen to or music to pick out the melody.) I have copied/transcribed the words to over 750 Hymns for my personal research. And, I have begun accumulating data about certain of the Song Authors, Musicians, and History behind the Hymns. I was referred to your site by Christopher Tan of “HYMNPOD.org”. My favorite writer/musician would be Ira Stanphill. I also like Ira D Sankey because of the words to the many hymns he published in connection with his and D. L. Moody’s Evangelistic efforts in the late 1800′s.
God bless you for your work!
By: Leon Estes on October 12, 2009
at 12:10 am
Thank you for your delightful note. Years ago, when I started writing my weekly newspaper column, I set the goal of writing about the hymns commonly found in the non-denominational hymnals printed in the last 50 years. The songs they have in common run to about 750, and I’m currently past the 600 mark with the column.
Wordwise Hymns is a bit different. Finding something that happened each day of the year (including February 29th) to discuss was sometimes a challenge. It forced me to delve into some hymns that were unknown to me. I suspect the finall total discussed specifically in the almanac will be 800 or more. It’s an ongoing adventure!
By: rcottrill on October 12, 2009
at 8:01 am
I’m linking myself to your blog Robert, and look forward to sharing insights with you on Christian hymns and other songs we sing too as part of our faith.
Dave
By: David Cain on November 15, 2009
at 2:38 pm
Glad to have you on board.
By: rcottrill on November 15, 2009
at 11:01 pm
In reading about copyrighted things I read that you’re not to trust what is on the internet as things being in public domain – trust what you have in your own hands. I’m using old hymnbooks printed before 1920, but I’m running out of hymnbooks I own. I’m trying to post 1 poem/hymn a day with a Bible verse and image I’ve done. If I see in a hymnbook that the hymn was copyrighted before 1920 – am I safe to use it with my blog?
AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR WONDERFUL BLOG PAGE!!!!!!!!!
By: Martha Robbins on November 16, 2009
at 4:20 pm
Thanks for your question Martha. In answer, it gets a little more complicated than you suggest–unfortunately. It’s my understanding that usually a copyright runs for 75 years. That would mean that anything written before 1934 is in the public domain. By far the majority of songs written before then have no copyright restriction.
However, there are times when the author/composer’s family (or a publisher) renews the copyright. For example, the gospel song Teach Me to Pray has a 1926 copyright date. But it was renewed in 1956. Great Is Thy Faithfulness has a 1923 copyright date, but it was renewed in 1951 by Hope Publishing Company.
A helpful resource in this regard is the Cyber Hymnal. The creator, Dick Adams is very careful about these things. Almost all the songs he has posted are in the public domain. If they are not, he usually does not include them. (Teach Me to Pray is not there.) In a very few cases, he has obtained permission to post a hymn that is still under copyright. If you check out Great Is Thy Faithfulness, you will see it is one of these.
You might be surprised at just how strict the present rules are. For example, if you wrote a personal letter to a friend and quoted a few lines of Great Is Thy Faithfulness, technically you would be violating the copyright. Taping a service at your church in which the congregation sang it would too. In practice, most people post the words of hymns on their personal blogs without worrying about all of this. They are not seeking to profit financially from the song, but only wish to share a blessing. I expect the rules will change, in time, to reflect the wide open exchange the Internet opens up.
Hope all of that’s a help. God bless.
Robert
By: rcottrill on November 16, 2009
at 6:26 pm
Hello, Robert!
I appreciate your comment on my blog and thought you might be interested in checking out the first of three articles on the life and work of John Newton, published in my local newspaper. I am part of a group or writers who research and compose the weekly Soli Deo Gloria column. Two additional articles on Newton will be running Dec. 31 and January 6, and will be available online a few days after publication. This set of articles is written by a dear friend, a 90-year-old brother in the faith.
http://www.nwtntoday.com/news.php?viewStory=35353
By: Camille on December 28, 2009
at 10:36 pm
Thanks for sharing the article about John Newton. Amazing man! Always interesting to learn more details.
By: rcottrill on December 29, 2009
at 7:29 am
Thank you for visiting my blog. I have just added another hymn. In my older posts I have included one of the composers. I plan to do more of this as time permits.
I love your site. I will come often to visit it.
Blessings to you.
By: Victoria on February 25, 2010
at 2:28 pm
Thanks for the encouragement. Drop by any time.
By: rcottrill on February 25, 2010
at 5:00 pm
This is so nice that you have this site. I was here before and forgot to bookmark it; now I will. I am thankful to be in a church where we still sing the hymns, Sunday by Sunday. We use the Trinity Hymnal, Baptist version; I don’t know if you’re familiar with it. Unfortunately, we have had members who have left because our worship is not contemporary enough, particularly for their teens, and I am sure it is also the reason that many visitors never come back. But so far we have prevailed, and those among us who have stayed, are lovers of the hymns. I agree that all of the new is not necessarily bad or that the old is necessarily good, but we love the rich doctrine and beauty of most of them. Whenever I hear the ones which are so familiar from my youth, I am so blessed.
Thanks for having this site and thank you for coming to visit at my blog. I try to post the words of hymns periodically and sometimes I like to give some background on the author or the cirumstances of the writing.
I sent a link to this blog to my pastor so that he would be able to enjoy it.
By: Maxine on February 26, 2010
at 1:18 pm
Many churches who try to preserve our heritage of hymns face some opposition from the “contemporary” folks. But take a look under the Topics tab on my home page and you’ll see an article giving 30 Ideas for Promoting Hymn Singing in your church. My hope is that with patience and grace we can turn the tide on this matter.
By: rcottrill on February 26, 2010
at 2:52 pm
Robert,
I just wanted to thank you for your kind words and encouragement with hymns! I got such an outpouring of positive responses on my blog when I posted on hymns, that I tend to agree with you wholeheartedly- every family should attempt to incorporate them into family worship time! Nothing has been sweeter than hearing my children singing songs like, “Trust and Obey” in the backyard while they swing. Such a rewarding thing to teach them. Your blog is a great source of information. I heard a gentleman speak on a radio program not too long ago about a book he’d written on hymns- I wondered if that was you? I believe it was either Family Life Today or Focus on the Family.
Blessings,
Sasha
By: Lemonade Makin' Mama on April 25, 2010
at 12:50 am
H-m-m… No, the gentleman on the radio wasn’t me. Actually, the book advertised on my blog being a Christmas book, it probably won’t be advertised more until the fall. But it seems to be selling well, even now. And another book, Discovering the Songs of Comfort, will be out in the spring of 2011. Meanwhile, I’m working on yet another, Discovering the Songs of Calvary. I’m hoping the Lord spares me to write 5 or 6 in the series.
Yes, it is wonderful to hear our children and grandchildren singing the great hymns of the faith. Years ago, I taught hymnology to the Grades 7 and 8 kids in a Christian school. Parents reported afterward that they were delighted to see their children participate more actively in the worship service, and point out hymn writers that they knew. God bless.
By: rcottrill on April 25, 2010
at 7:47 am
I have an old book titled HYMNS. It appears to be leather bound and has a preface by J.R. of No. 10 Grange-Road, Southwalk. It is written on old-English. Can you shed any light on this book?
By: Rosemary on May 4, 2010
at 9:02 am
There are many hundreds of hymn books. (I have dozens, myself, old and new.) The only book I’ve seen just called “Hymns” is a little leather-bound Plymouth Brethren book. My copy is a revised edition published in 1928–which suggests there was an earlier version. Is there any date given for when your book was printed? Sounds as though it’s pretty old. What about a publisher? If they are still in operation, perhaps you could contact them for information.
I enjoy searching through these old books. Sometimes you come upon treasures that are no longer included in modern hymnals. They make great reading during times of personal devotions.
By: rcottrill on May 4, 2010
at 9:50 am
Any chance the book in question looks like this? It is the hymn book of the Shakers, a Protestant religious sect similar in some ways to the Quakers. It’s the only book I could find on this site simply called Hymns. If you go to the site, you’ll see the contents listed, and can make a comparison.
By: rcottrill on May 7, 2010
at 8:54 am
Hello Mr. Cottrill: I was made aware of your site by another blogger. I want to thank you for providing a link on your site to the program for which I’m responsible–Sound of Majesty (Moody Radio) I appreciate that!
Just a minor note–the link is out of date, since we changed our address a few months ago. If you have the chance for an updated one, it is http://www.soundofmajesty.org Thanks again!
By: Greg Wheatley on June 6, 2010
at 12:13 pm
Done! And thank you for calling the change to my attention. The high quality of your program is greatly appreciated. God bless.
By: rcottrill on June 6, 2010
at 3:37 pm
Thank you for this unique and much needed forum. I would value your opinion and insight regarding an argument I have with myself —who is my favorite hymnist…PP Bliss or William Bradbury. In addition I often have to throw a third name into the mix.,. Robert Lowery. I was raised and currently attend Church of Christ. Though we seem to sing their hymns less often, the collective works of these three seem to cover every lesson and emotion of Christian teaching.
Currently, I think Bradbury is my favorite, but that will probably change next week.
i
By: Glenn Birdwell on June 19, 2010
at 5:17 pm
Great to hear from you, Glenn! All the men you mention made an important contribution to 19th century hymnody. But as far as I know, William Bradbury wrote only tunes. That was certainly most of his focus. Philip Bliss and Robert Lowry have this in common, that they often wrote both words and music. (We sang Lowry’s “Shall We Gather at the River” at my mother’s funeral a few years back.) Of those two, Lowry lived to the age of 73, but Bliss was killed in a tragic train accident at the age of 38. For that reason, it’s difficult to compare the output of the two. However, I personally prefer the work of Bliss for its simplicity and devotional depth.
Songs such as “Hallelujah! What a Saviour!” and “More Holiness Give Me” are fine examples. But my favourite is “Jesus Loves Even Me.” I’ve sung it as a solo many times. (The hymn tune Slane works well with the words.) Hymn books often put this in the Children’s Hymns section, but that is a mistake. It is a hymn that should be sung–often–by all of us.
Here are a couple of quotations about the man.
George Stebbins, a gospel musician who knew him, said years later of Bliss: “As to Mr. Bliss’s place among the writers of gospel hymns, it has long been admitted that he occupied a preeminence that still stands unrivalled….There has been no other writer of verse since his time who has shown such a grasp of the fundamental truths of the gospel, or such a gift for putting them into poetic and singable form.”
Evangelist Dwight L. Moody said of him: “I believe he was raised up of God to write hymns for the church of Christ in this age, as Charles Wesley was for the church in his day….He was the most highly honoured of God of any man of his time, as a writer and singer of gospel songs and, with all his gifts, he was the most humble man I ever knew.”
Well, there’s an opinion to chew on! The book P. P. Bliss, Songwriter by William Guest, was first published the year after his death. It has been reprinted (in 1997) by Ambassador Productions Limited, and is well worth reading.
By: rcottrill on June 19, 2010
at 8:13 pm
Mr. Cotrill,
I have enjoyed reading your blogs. I have recently begun putting together Sunday school lesson material on the subject of the Bible in your Hymnal. The intent is to teach the history of the hymn focusing on the Biblical truths found within. I have numerous resources I am drawing from. I have most of Ken Osbeck’s books, a book entitled Music in the Balance by Frank Garlock and Kurt Woetzel and others. I actually stumbled on your blog while searching google for the differences between hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). May I use your definitions of a hymn and gospel song along with you outline of Col 3:16?
Thanks,
Rob
By: Rob Bullock on July 10, 2010
at 6:51 pm
Thanks for getting in touch. I hope my e-mail reaches you. I couldn’t think of a way to include a sample Bible study here. (I’m not very computer savvy
.) Bible studies analyzing hymns are a wonderful idea. If we are to “sing with understanding,” as God’s Word commands us to (Ps. 47:7), we need to do this. Not many would tackle it on their own. But with a bit of guidance, a group can do so with great profit.
Love the title, The Bible in Your Hymnal. You can definitely make use of my material any way it would be a help. And God bless you as you do!
By: rcottrill on July 10, 2010
at 8:50 pm
I am so glad you told me about your blog. I do love hymns and gospel songs. I am looking forward to coming back and reading all of the information you have on the subject of hymns and their writers.
By: Moore to ponder on July 25, 2010
at 9:51 pm
Well! Hi again! Heard from you in two ways today. Drop by any time.
By: rcottrill on July 26, 2010
at 7:43 am
Fabulous site!! i spend A LOT of time trying to find hymns and the songwriter’s story behind it! The trials they endured in their lifetime usually tell exactly why they can write such beautiful, Godly hymns…because they have experienced God’s grace and mercy through their trials and are praising God for His deliverance through them!! These are our heroes that never died, because their hymns and powerful words live on to speak to our hearts. God continues to use them in our lives so many years later, and for that, we are GREATLY blessed! God is so good and merciful! Thank you so much for your comment to me and for sharing your site with me! I can’t wait to read and learn more!!
By: Lynne Patterson on July 29, 2010
at 9:38 pm
Well said. “These are our heroes,” indeed! Would it not be a wonderful thing if, rather than idolizing some immoral starlet, or drugged out rocker, young people chose their heroes from the Bible and the hymn book?
By: rcottrill on July 29, 2010
at 9:51 pm
Amen!!!! Exactly what I was thinking!!
By: Lynne Patterson on July 30, 2010
at 10:47 am
Thanks Lynne. Maybe we can start a trend, or at least point the way. People such as Lydia Baxter, Annie Johnson Flint, Philip Bliss…I could go on at length, are true heroes in the best sense of the word.
By: rcottrill on July 30, 2010
at 11:26 am
I like your blog. I bookmarked it, and when I pick songs for Sunday morning worship, I come to your site to research hymns. Sometimes I present the history of a hymn before leading the congregation in singing it.
I was wondering what you could tell me about the hymn “By Grace I Will” (Eliza Hewitt, edited by John Sweney and others, music by William J. Kirkpatrick). I like the message of the hymn, though the tune is unimpressive. Also, do you have any hymns you would recommend to accompany sermons from Romans chapters 4 and 5?
By: Robert H. Woodman on July 31, 2010
at 8:37 am
Glad you enjoy the blog! As to By Grace I Will, it’s tough to find another tune, since the metre is so odd (9.7.9.7 in the stanzas, and 11.7.7.7.7 in the refrain!) I listened to the tune on the Cyber Hymnal, and actually found it quite singable. You might slow it down slightly, and smooth out the rhythm a bit, but otherwise it seems okay to me.
As to hymns relating to Romans 4 and 5, the theme there is justification by faith. It’s tricky to suggest songs for you, since I don’t know the type of hymns you sing, or what you’re familiar with. Here are a few suggestions:
And Can It Be?
Arise, My Soul, Arise!
Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know?
Blessed Assurance
Christ Receiveth Sinful Men
I Know Whom I Have Believed
It Is Well
Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness
And do you know Complete in Thee? I especially appreciate the version with the refrain added by James M. Gray. It clearly reflects the teaching of Romans:
By: rcottrill on July 31, 2010
at 9:31 am
Thanks for the quick response. I lead music for a Southern Baptist church near the campus of a major midwestern university. I know most of the hymns you listed (It Is Well is one of my favorites), but I’m not at all familiar with Complete in Thee, nor could I find it on NetHymnal. A quick Google search gave me the words and the music, so I’ll see if I can introduce it. Thanks for that suggestion!
I find that the church is sometimes not happy with “new” hymns (even if they are 200 years old), not because of the words or tune but because it is new to them. My approach has been to introduce a new hymn by singing it 3-4 weeks in a row so that it becomes familiar, but that approach is not uniformly successful. Do you have any additional suggestions for how I can go about introducing new hymns?
By: Robert H. Woodman on July 31, 2010
at 9:52 am
I know exactly what you mean about an antipathy toward the unfamiliar on the part of so many. We like the tried and true songs of the church. Nothing wrong with that, of course, as long as they can be sung with sincerity. But adding a “new” hymn once in awhile–even if it’s centuries old–will enrich our worship. I’ve also found a resistance to changing tunes sometimes. This has alerted me to the fact that many love the familiar hymns as much for the tune as for the words.
Unfortunately, the trend in too many churches today is to worship at the altar of the New. The hymnal is discarded, and the congregation is given a steady–and ever-changing–diet of contemporary choruses. That’s the opposite extreme, and it’s one factor that motivated the creation of this blog.
Now, some ideas. Things you might try in introducing a new hymn. You could have the tune included in the instrumental preludes of several services. Or, if you have a recording, or a video of the hymn being presented, this could be played before the service a week or two before you plan to introduce the song. You could also have it used as an offertory. The week before it’s introduced to the congregation, what about having a soloist or group sing it as their ministry in music? And if there’s anything interesting about the writing of the hymn, or the author, a bulletin insert would be helpful.
Another thing to try, if the words are meaningful, is using it for a congregational reading. This could be a unison reading. Or, if the song suits (as Bickersteth’s Peace, Perfect Peace does, with its alternating question-and-answer) you might try a responsive reading. And if you’ve done a few of these things, the song might actually seem like an old friend, instead of something new and alien!
Another quick idea that just occured to me. If the song you want to introduce has the same metre as a well-known and beloved song of the congregation, what about singing it to the old tune? Then, it will have a familiar feel, but the new words will be learned and appreciated in the singing.
By: rcottrill on July 31, 2010
at 11:01 am
I was just reading some of the most recent r
responses on this page, and have enjoyed them.
I, too think Bible studies analyzing hymns are a wonderful idea. I would just love it if they had one of those in my town or even on line.
I was thinking about the conversation about how to help congregations embrace new hymns even if they are 200 years old. I like some of the modern songs, but the hymns are still my favorites. I have noticed that when my husband and I would be in a new church we would sing a special, and people who never heard that particular song would often ask us to sing it again. I think that is a great way to introduce a hymn that is unfamiliar to a congregation.
By: Moore to ponder on July 31, 2010
at 11:16 am
Thanks for your comments. Introducing a “new” old hymn by singing it as a special number is a great idea. And you also gave me another idea that I’m going to ponder. Starting in the new year, I want to deal with hymns on this blog in a slightly different way. I’ve been working on a plan for this for some time. And the thought came to me: Why not include a few discussion questions with each hymn that would help folks get into the meat of the song? So…! We shall see. Stay tuned.
By: rcottrill on July 31, 2010
at 11:35 am
That sounds really neat. I will stay tuned!
By: Moore to ponder on July 31, 2010
at 11:49 am
Thankyou for being a wonderful and inspiring resource.
By: Carol S. Ethington on August 10, 2010
at 2:36 pm
You’re very welcome. Drop by any time!
By: rcottrill on August 10, 2010
at 3:30 pm
I have a question about a song. I put the words to it and a video of it being sung in my last blog entry. The title of the song is “The Love of God”. I read about it at cyber hymnal, but I thought you might know even more.
By: Moore to ponder on August 12, 2010
at 5:06 pm
Ah, The Love of God! Great gospel song, and it certainly has an unusual story! You can see my brief posting on it from August 7th here. And it sounds as though you’ve seen the Cyber Hymnal article here. Let me run through a few more of the details for you as I understand them.
The first two stanzas and the refrain of the song were written in 1917 by Frederick Martin Lehman (1868-1953). He also wrote the melody, and his daughter, Claudia Lehman Mays (1892-1973) added the harmony.
Frederick Lehman emigrated from Germany to the United States with his family, when he was four years old. They settled in Iowa, where he lived through his childhood years. In adulthood, Lehman served with the Church of the Nazarene denomination, sometimes as a pastor, but he was also instrumental in starting the Nazarene Publishing House. And all through his life he wrote many poems and songs.
In 1917, the writer was living in California, and he says that “[financial] circumstances forced us to hard manual labour.” He worked for a citrus fruit packer that moved up to thirty tons of lemons and oranges a day, packing them in wooden boxes for shipment. At a campmeeting some time before, he had heard a soul-stirring message about God’s love, and the theme filled his thoughts one day at work. During a break, he sat down on an empty lemon box, pushed against the wall, and with the stub of a pencil and a scrap of paper, he wrote the lines that are now familiar to us.
When he reached home, he hurried to their old upright piano and created a melody to fit. But the song seemed incomplete. Only two stanzas. He tried to produce another, but somehow the words simply wouldn’t come. It was then he remembered some lines of verse that had been quoted in that sermon he’d heard about God’s love. At the time, little cards had been distributed with the poem printed on them. “Now, if I can just find that card!” Frederick Lehman said. And he did–he’d been using it as a bookmark.
Amazingly, in the providence of God, the words on the card perfectly fit the metre of the poem he had already written. But there is a further unusual story connected with those lines. We have learned that the little poem was found pencilled on the wall of a mental hospital, after the patient had died. At first, it was assumed that the man had written the poem himself, but that was not quite so.
The third stanza of the song, beginning “Could we with ink the ocean fill…” was actually paraphrased from a much longer poem, written by Rabbi Mayer, son of Isaac Nehorai, in the year 1096. Rabbi Mayer was a Jewish cantor in the city of Worms, Germany. (His long poem, called Hadamut, is still read in synagogues at the beginning of the Feast of Weeks, at harvest time.) Whether the unnamed hospital patient had translated the words himself from the original Aramaic, we do not know. But their profound imagery helps us to understand the infinite vastness of God’s love for us.
By: rcottrill on August 12, 2010
at 7:15 pm
Thank you so much. I love that song, and the story of how it came to be written.
By: Moore to ponder on August 12, 2010
at 8:35 pm
Do you have a way to search your blog for hymns related to specific passages of Scripture?
By: Robert H. Woodman on August 28, 2010
at 7:59 pm
No I don’t, but it’s a wonderful idea. I am planning to do more with the blog in discussing the themes of hymns, starting in January. It might be interesting to build a Scripture index as I go. I’ll definitely give it some thought.
Meanwhile, the Cyber Hymnal has a section called Scripture Allusions that may be of some help. And I have a little book (likely long out of print) called Hymn and Scripture Selection Guide (by Donald A. Spencer, published by Judson Press in 1977). It cross-references 12,000 verses of Scripture with 380 hymns and gospel songs.
The Hymnal for Worship & Celebration (not The Celebration Hymnal, put out by the same publisher) has an Index of Scripture Texts and Adaptations in Hymns. The Hymnal for Worship & Celebration, predates the other book. It was published by Word Music in 1986.
There are a few ideas, anyway. Thanks for the question. It’s got me thinking.
By: rcottrill on August 28, 2010
at 9:07 pm
A further note. You can get used copies of Spencer’s Hymn and Scripture Selection Guide quite reasonably here.
By: rcottrill on August 28, 2010
at 9:33 pm
Thanks for the quick response. I’ll look into getting Spencer’s book soon. I use the 1991 [Southern] Baptist Hymnal, and its scripture reference index is pretty poor. I’ve used CyberHymnal’s Scripture Allusions, but having multiple sources is much better, IMO, than using a single source.
Again, thanks.
Robert
By: Robert H. Woodman on August 29, 2010
at 7:03 am
Hi! I found your blog through a comment you made on my blog about a year ago! Never noticed your comment until today and I had to check out your blog. I love hymn history!
Thanks for stopping by (so long ago)!
Emily
http://strobelshappenings.blogspot.com/
By: Emily on September 15, 2010
at 2:08 pm
Great to hear from you. Drop by any time!
By: rcottrill on September 15, 2010
at 2:11 pm
I found your blog through a comment you made on mine quite awhile back. I love old hymns and the meanings behind them.
By: Victoria on March 19, 2011
at 9:21 pm
Thanks for your encouragement. Drop by any time.
By: rcottrill on March 19, 2011
at 10:24 pm
Thank you so much for your excellent work, Brother Cottrill. I have just discovered your blog today, in searching the net to see if two of our hymns/gospel songs in English exist in French. My husband and I are missionaries in France, and recently a missionary friend here wrote and asked us if we knew if “The Unveiled Christ” by Noah Herrell had been translated. Also Don Wyrtzen’s song “Worthy is the Lamb.” I have not been able to find a French version for either one of them, and wondered if you would have a way of knowing since you have worked for so many years with hymns? I love Christ-honoring hymns, and was an organ major many years ago at Bible College (Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA). God bless you richly.
Sincerely in Christ,
Glenda Stetson
By: Glenda and Paul Stetson on April 11, 2011
at 12:00 pm
Thank you for your delightful post. I wish I could be of help, but I can’t. I know both songs, of course–have even sung the former as a solo. But have no idea where (or whether) French versions are available. Since I’ve received comments on my blog from (so far) 183 countries, this isn’t the only time I’ve been asked–for Polish words, or Czech words, etc. The funny thing is, I usually urge inquirers to contact people like you–missionaries who work in that particular language!
I’d say, “Why not translate them yourself?” but as you know, that’s not an easy task–choosing words that make sense, and fit the metre.
That you were an organ major in college is wonderful. It got me reminiscing. My father was a church organist for many years (self taught). He also played the violin and cello in a church orchestra, and led a superb gospel quartet. I recall one time in the 1950′s when we were in New York City. He and a friend went to hear a concert by Virgil Fox at Riverside Church. For a time, we had a couple of Baldwin organs in our living room (long story!). Dad would get on one, and I on the other. (I doodle around, but have never worked at it enough to handle the pedals). For me, the majestic power of a pipe organ for hymns is incomparable. (In electronic organs, I guess an Allen organ can come close.)
Again, your encouragement is appreciated. Drop by any time.
By: rcottrill on April 11, 2011
at 1:50 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Brother Cottrill. How wonderful that your father was a church organist and also played other instruments. I would love to have even one organ in my living room! =) Yes, Allen organs are excellent. I’ve had the privilege of playing a few pipe organs during our time in France–quite a thrill. As for the songs we’re trying to find in French, I’ll let you know if we find them. We have done some translation work, but yes, it is more of a job than some people realize, especially if you want it to fit the music well. God bless you and your famliy. If you ever make it to France, we would love to host you and your wife.
Sincerely in Christ,
Glenda and Paul Stetson
Metz, France
By: Glenda and Paul Stetson on April 12, 2011
at 3:06 pm
Thanks for your recent visit to my blog in which I referenced one of the great hymns you expounded on this week. I’ve spent some time reading a few of your posts also and have been impressed with your depth of thought on the old hymns and also your discipline in working through so many hymns on a regular basis.
I share your love for the great songs of the church, but also have developed a fondness for some of the contemporary writing being done; A difficult line to walk, since there is so much emotion on both sides of the issue. I’m grateful for a place to worship which values both the Word of God and people enough to work carefully through the issues.
I appreciate your kind words regarding the blog post of mine which you visited and hope that you will feel free to visit again anytime.
Held Firmly in His Grip,
Paul
http://www.hestakenleave.blogspot.com
By: spaulphil on April 14, 2011
at 11:57 am
I came across your blog after reading your comment on mine. I am a Singaporean, but have served in a number of countries – Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines and UK. I love the old hymns and sing them every day in my devotions. I use the Salvation Army Song Book. I am not against the contemporary songs, some of these are beautiful, e.g, Majesty, worship His majesty, He is my everything etc.but we must not ignore the old hymns written by godly men and women.
Thank your for sharing. I enjoy reading your blog. God bless you and your ministry.
By: A A Lim on August 30, 2011
at 6:01 am
Thanks for your kind words. And I agree: churches that have abandoned the hymn book are impoverished as a result. Drop by any time!
By: rcottrill on August 30, 2011
at 9:08 am
I can’t tell you how good it felt to find your blog. For so long it felt like the leadership of the church had abandoned its older members. I listened and watched trusted preachers and Bible teachers to see if anyone else had an objection to the way older church members were being shoved aside…and for so long I heard nothing. I would sit down with the Lord at night and just weep. Church didn’t feel like church anymore. I loved hymns that were so familiar I could close my eyes and sang with meaning to Jesus. Slowly every hymn was taken from us and replaced with unfamiliar words. Some were like a mantra, repeating one or two lines over and over. Then there was the loudness! So loud that some wore ear plugs to save their hearing. Leadership was told it hurt the ears of the old…but nothing changed, people who had certain heart devices implanted said it messed them up, no one seemed to care. Finally, I happened upon something Chuck Swindoll wrote about how some churches have treated their older members with such disregard they don’t even seem to want us in their churches anymore, and how unbiblical that attitude is. He told of an older couple visiting his church wept as they left, telling him they were so hungry for the Word of God and finally they got fed that morning. So I think, in some instances, getting rid of the hymnals, which are full of sound doctrine, has just been another way of bringing in new teaching to replace the old, old story. I finally left that church and found one that treats the elderly with respect, is faithful to the Word, and loves the old hymns. So it’s been a long, and painful journey for me, and at times I felt like I was all alone. There must be many, many others who are hurting too and they need to know they are not alone. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for airing this subject.
By: D.L. Jones on September 1, 2011
at 4:23 pm
Thank you for your gracious and encouraging note. Believe me, I know where you’re coming from!
The church my wife and I attend at the present time still uses the hymn book, and we sing mostly hymns, with an occasional good chorus included. But you’re absolutely right about how many churches are so skewed to featuring the young, and appealing to the young, that they’ve forgotten to feed and encourage the “pillars” of the church.
I was the guest speaker in a church one time, and I knew as soon as I walked into the sanctuary that something was up. All the seniors were crowded into the very back rows, as far from the platform as they could get. As soon as the singing started, I realized why. Powerful speakers at the front started thundering out a deafening bedlam of sound. The older folks were trying to keep as far from it as possible. I was in another church recently that has a beautiful grand piano. But once the singing started, I couldn’t hear it–and I was only about fifteen feet away! The amplification of the “worship team” on the platform was so loud it drowned everything else out. I couldn’t even hear those next to me singing!
When I’m the speaker at a service, I’m kind of stuck there. But there’ve been times when I was not speaking that I’ve actually walked out of services. Just couldn’t stand the noise! This isn’t music, and it isn’t honouring to the Lord. The Bible says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world” (I Jn. 2:15). But this blatant attempt to copy the musical styles of the secular world is an example of that very thing. Do they not understand why the music of the world is the way it is? Three things–that can easily be proven by many comments of the secular musicians of our day:
Now, will somebody tell me what part of that belongs in the house of God. We want to exalt the Lord and express our desire to obey and serve Him, not shake an angry fist in His face. And we want to promote sexually purity before marriage, and fidelity within marriage, not immorality. Further, we have the transforming grace of God to offer. We don’t need mechanically generated thrills. Our thrills should come from our meditation on the Word of God, and our fellowship with Him.
Some make the claim that music is neutral, it all depends what words are put with it. But this is nonsense. Music is a language all on its own, and it needs to be sending the same message as the words, or the result is confusion. I taught a philosophy of Christian music course at a Christian college for years, and heard all the arguments many times. But I ended up more convinced than ever that the “contemporary” drift of many churches today is both spiritually harmful and biblically indefensible.
I encourage you to keep the faith. Glad you have found a church where you can worship. Drop by my blog any time, and see what’s new. The tens of thousands who have communicated with me across the world assure me that many feel is we do. God bless.
By: rcottrill on September 1, 2011
at 6:18 pm
I am looking for words and music to an old song. Can anyone help me? I would be very grateful. The chorus goes like this:
“Oh, glory Halleluiah; I am going home to God,
Where I shall wear a golden crown, and robes of purest white.
Walk upon those golden streets, and sing forevermore,
Oh tell me now my brother, will you meet me there.”
By: Warren Clarke on September 15, 2011
at 12:10 pm
Thanks for the query. I checked a few resources, but it’s really tough when you don’t know the title, first line, or author. Songs aren’t usually catalogued by refrains. If you find out, or remember a bit more, please let me know, and I’ll widen my search.
By: rcottrill on September 15, 2011
at 12:33 pm
Thank you for this blog! I found your blog by searching Google. I’m so glad that people still cherish traditional hymns in worship. I found all the posts and comments very interesting and I enjoyed reading them. I operate a web site selling hymns on CD piano accompaniment for churches. I hope it’s okay to include the link there…
I hear from many small churches from all over the country who are leading worship services without any accompaniment because it seems that they have difficulty in finding an accompanist, although they do have a piano or an organ at their church. I think this is sad, because it does seem to indicate a decline of the old church tradition in our culture. I don’t personally think the new music today is wrong as indicated by several comments above… it’s just that much of it seems to lack in substance, and much of the new music seems to miss the mark in terms of being conducive for everyone to be able to express worsihp to our Lord.
Music speaks different languages to different areas of ages culture. What works for you doesn’t work for others. What works for others doesn’t work for you. You can’t assume that piano and organ is what is sacred and everything else is not. At one time in history both the piano and organ were new instruments and were frowned upon in the church. The melody to Amazing Grace was actually a tune sung in pubs!
And I don’t think we can pretend to know what God likes and doesn’t like. Our ways are not His. To Him, our best of anything is like filthy rags. What matters when we worship is our heart and our intentions. I just think we need to be careful when we say things like, “I can’t picture the Lord snapping His fingers”… Really, you know what the Lord looks like and what he does and doesn’t do? Wow. Besides that, I think in modern chuches, people don’t snap their fingers as part of singing contemporary worship songs anyway, so to borrow certain things from secular culture to put down a particular style of music in worship is in my opinion, a stretch.
But having interaction with people who love the Lord from all over, I know that there are people with the best of intentions when they give their hearts in worship,regardless of the style of the music.
By: Steve Oostdyk on December 23, 2011
at 6:38 pm
Thanks for your thoughtful comments.
It’s sad when churches abandon our heritage of Christian hymnody. I would agree that not all contemporary music is bad (nor are all hymns and gospel songs of high quality). But speaking generally, there’s a richness of doctrine and depth of devotion in many hymns that is unmatched by contemporary songs, which tend to be more me-centred and touchy-feelie.
Not all churches have left our traditional hymnody behind. Ours hasn’t. And I’ve preached in other churches where hymns are the main staple, with occasional newer choruses.
I wouldn’t be too worried about not having someone to play the piano or organ–though I think both or either can be used effectively. Singing without accompaniment can be a joy too. When you have hymn books in front of you (with music notation), and even a few folks who can carry a part, the result can be worshipful and inspiring.
I’m interested to know how you know that the tune for Amazing Grace was sung in bars. Actually, almost nothing is known of its origin for sure–even what country it came from. There have been some guesses, but nothing provable. It sounds like a variation on the old “Martin Luther used barroom tunes” notion–which he didn’t.
I’ve studied this subject for many years. Actually taught a college course on it. And I’ve heard all the arguments before, arguments that seek to justify bringing the world’s music into the church. And none of them really holds water. “Culture” should not be our guide. Scripture should, and sound biblical principles.
God bless. And have a great Christmas!
By: rcottrill on December 23, 2011
at 8:16 pm
I can’t seem to find an email or contact address anywhere on your blog, but I was hoping for permission to quote one of your posts. Can you email me at kjvroberts@gmail.com?
By: Jessica Roberts on January 17, 2012
at 2:26 pm
Robert, I am SO thrilled to have found this site. Thank you so much for mentioning it to me on my blog. I will definitely be spending some time here and mentioning it to my readers. It’s a wonderful resource. My favorite hymn writer and one of my heroes is Fanny Crosby. I am the pianist for our church, and my husband the pastor. We stick to the old time hymns for our worship service. I actually started playing when I was 4 years old, I’d come home from church, sit down and play the hymns I’d heard. There is so much history in the old hymns, I love to explore their stories, and what brought them to write the words they did.
Thank you for all that you share here, and thanks again for bringing this site to my attention. ~ Abby
By: Abby on January 25, 2012
at 10:28 am
You’re quite welcome. I’ve been studying the subject for about 50 years now, and have shared what I’ve learned on a couple of radio programs I hosted, in weekly newspaper columns, and books I’ve written, as well as the blog. And, of course, the material makes wonderful sermon illustrations.
Drop by any time. And if you’re looking for information on a particular hymn, maybe I can help. I’m always learning new things. Found a wonderful story about the hymn “My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” just the other day. Lord willing, I’ll be sharing it in a blog in the coming weeks.
By: rcottrill on January 25, 2012
at 6:15 pm