top of page
HYMN STORIES
“AND NOW YOU KNOW….”
We are encouraged, uplifted and sometimes even challenged by some of the songs and hymns we sing so often. You might wonder what inspired the writing and composition of these songs. There is a story behind each one. Most often these stories will give even more meaning to the already powerful blessing these songs are. In this library, you will find reasons and life experiences that God used to provide us with wonderful messages in music. These are historical accounts of hymns and songs used in the programs of Hope Today.
Search
O MASTER, LET ME WALK WITH THEE
Washington Gladden was a Congregational pastor. He was named Washington because his great-grandfather served as George Washington’s bodyguard during the Revolutionary War. Washington pastored in New York, Massachusetts and Ohio during the post-Civil War industrial era when racial and economic injustice was rampant. At that time, many were searching for a new ethical standard and Washington wanted to give them one! He is often remembered as the father of the Social Gospel
Mar 17
O LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO
When he was a teenager, George Matheson learned that his poor eyesight was deteriorating further. However, he continued with his plans to enroll in Glasgow University. This determination led to his graduation at age nineteen. As he pursued graduate studies for Christian ministry, he became totally blind. His sisters joined ranks beside him, learning Greek and Hebrew to assist him in his studies and with their support, he was able to press on. His spirit almost totally c
Mar 17
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
Phillips Brooks, was one of Americas outstanding preachers. In fact, in his day, he was often referred to as the “Prince of the Pulpit.” His many published volumes of sermons have since become classics. He won the hearts of people with his preaching and writings. Brooks, penned the text for the carol, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM , in 1868, several years after he returned from spending Christmas eve in Bethlehem. That experience of worshipping in the Church of the Nativi
Mar 17
O HOLY NIGHT
The words of O HOLY NIGHT were written in 1847 by a French wine merchant named Placide Clappeau who was also the mayor of his town in the south of France. He enjoyed writing poetry as a hobby. Further information about the author is scarce. We know a little more about the man who composed the music, a Parisian named Adolphe Charles Adam. The son of a concert pianist, Adams trained from infancy in music and piano. He wrote his first opera in his mid-twenties and thereaf
Mar 17
O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST
During his life, one of the things that Isaac Watts set as an objective, was a massive project to adapt the Book of Psalms for Christian worship. In 1719, his book entitled, “ The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament, ” was published. His hymn, Joy to the World, that we sing at Christmas time was based on Psalm 98. In Psalm 90 we read, “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations” …and… “from everlasting to everlasting, You are God
Mar 17
O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING
There is no question that Charles Wesley had a conversion or a spiritual awakening experience. When he sent word to his saintly Mother, Susanna, she returned a note which stated…and I quote… "I heartly rejoiced that you have attained to a strong and lively hope in God’s mercy through Christ. Not that I can think that you were totally without saving faith before, but it is one thing to have faith, and another thing to be sensible we have it.” Charles' life did change and
Mar 17
10,000 REASONS
10,000 REASONS (BLESS THE LORD) was written by Matt Redman and Jonas Myrin in what is known in the song writer's realm as a "spontaneous moment." It takes some songs several weeks and perseverance to come together, while others are surprisingly quick. When Jonas began playing a chorus melody he was working on, Matt was immediately inspired to words from the opening of Psalm 103. In this psalm, King David lists several reasons why his heart is full of worship for God! The num
Feb 12
NEARER, STILL NEARER
Lelia N. Morris shunned the limelight…even though she wrote over one thousand gospel songs. She preferred to be known as Mrs. C. M. Morris, a nondescript home maker. She had been born in 1862 in the mountains of Ohio. As a child, Lelia went forward to the altar several times, seeking salvation. Finally, a man came and laid his hand on her head, assuring her that, “God was here and ready to forgive her sins;” that marked her conversion at age ten. Shortly after this, sh
Feb 11
NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD
As often is the case, the story behind the hymn text will give new meaning to the words; such is the story of NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD , written by Cleland McAfee and first published in 1903. Park University in Parkville, Missouri began in 1875 with only 17 students. Colonel George Park was the colourful founder of Parkville, and had donated the land for the college. John McAfee joined as the other founder and was the first president. John had five sons and one daughter
Feb 11
MY SAVIOUR’S LOVE/I STAND AMAZED/ HOW MARVELOUS, HOW WONDERFUL
There are three titles often used for this hymn text written by Charles H. Gabriel. You may find it with the title " MY SAVIOUR'S LOVE," OR "I STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE" OR "HOW MARVELOUS, HOW WONDERFUL." Charles Gabriel grew up on a farm in Wilton, Iowa. His father led singing schools in their home, and young Charles developed a strong interest in music. It is said that he taught himself to play the family’s pump organ. Without formal music training, and at the
Feb 11
MORE ABOUT JESUS
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is certainly amazing. It is both so simple that a child can understand it’s basic message of placing one’s faith in Christ, yet so profound that in your life time, you will never get to the end of learning more about Him. You see, the Christian gospel is not about a concept or idea; it is about a person. It is about a growing knowledge of and relationship with the eternal Son of God. The more you learn about God, the more there is to learn. I
Feb 11
MAKE ME A CHANNEL OF YOUR PEACE
Our Hymn story today is about a well-known text entitled MAKE ME A CHANNEL OF YOUR PEACE. It is a prayer that has widely been attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, who lived from 1182 to 1226 and founded the Franciscan Order. Yet these words never appeared in any of his writings…although this poem is the kind of prayer he would compose and a message he would not be displeased about. Some of the words in part bears a strong resemblance to famous sayings of Giles of Assisi
Feb 11
MAKE ME A BLESSING
Our relationship with God is beautiful! In it, we will be encouraged to respond to others in the same way as God would. We actually begin to be like our heavenly Father…loving and caring for others just as He does. Our relationship with God will teach us to be a blessing to others as well. Regardless of the task God calls us to, whether great or small, it will receive His promised blessing when we do it faithfully and with sincere motives. MAKE ME A BLESSING is our hym
Feb 11
LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVES EXCELLING
Most often, a hymn text has a story behind it as to how it was inspired by a life event or because of God’s provision and/or faithfulness. When it comes to poems or hymns written by Charles Wesley, so many do not have such a story. He was always writing them, and afterwards, he had few dramatic tales to talk about the occasion! It was said of Charles that he had inherited this gift from his father, and although the skill had been resident in him early in life, his convers
Feb 11
LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT
Sometimes we may think that our accomplishments are very small or very insignificant; in fact, our hymn story today is really the intertwining of many small events that God used to bring about some very big results! It was a very cold and wintery night when Canadian, Fred Suffield, awoke to an urgent pounding on his door; a half-frozen man reported that a train had stalled in the blizzard, and the passengers were in danger of freezing to death. Lighting a lantern, Fred f
Feb 11
JESUS SHALL REIGN
JESUS SHALL REIGN , was written in 1719 by Isaac Watts; it was one of his more than 600 hymns composed in his lifetime. Isaac is often called "the father of English hymnody." This hymn is considered one of the earliest texts written with a missionary emphasis, however, the missionary movement had scarcely begun. It was not until 1779 that William Carey began to stir Christians to their responsibility to fulfil the great commission. It was no doubt very disheartening wh
Feb 11
JESUS SAVES
Our hymn today is entitled, JESUS SAVES . The author is Priscilla Owens who was born on July 21 st , 1829 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was of Scottish and Welsh descent. Her parents were Isaac Owens and Jane (Steuart) Owens. She was the oldest of 7 children in her family, having 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Priscilla was educated at the Patapsco Institute in Howard County, Maryland, and the Ladies’ Collegiate Institute in Baltimore. For forty-nine years, she taught school
Feb 11
JESUS PAID IT ALL
We may tend to think that only those who are very musical or scholars of Biblical truth will be used to write poems or hymns; our hymn story today is about a lay woman named Elvina Hall. Elvina and her husband served in their church for more than 40 years. She wrote the words of her hymn, JESUS PAID IT ALL , one Sunday morning in 1865, while seated in the choir loft at her church in Baltimore, Maryland. She was supposed to be listening to her Pastor presenting his message
Feb 11
JESUS IS ALL THE WORLD TO ME
Will Thompson grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio in the mid 1800’s. East Liverpool was known for a healthy, maybe a creative trade; the pottery trade. In fact, Will's parents, Josiah and Sarah Thompson, were local entrepreneurs who had helped transform the area into a pottery manufacturing region. Will showed early signs of his Dad’s entrepreneurial spirit, and being from a financially comfortable family, he was able to devote time to his other passion of music. By the time
Feb 11
JESUS, I COME TO YOU
William T. Sleeper lived between February 1819 and September 1904. He was born in Danbury, New Hampshire. William received his theological training and was ordained to Christian ministry in June 1853. He was sent to minister as a homeland missionary in Northern Maine. To see his life and activities for Jesus Christ, it would be obvious that William was a true and dedicated servant of the message of God’s redemption and salvation for mankind. William Sleeper pastored sev
Feb 11
bottom of page