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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.
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DOES JESUS CARE
Frank E. Graeff was a Methodist minister and served in some of the leading denominational churches throughout the Philadelphia conference. He was known for his sunny disposition, in spite of the severe testing he experienced throughout life. His hymn, DOES JESUS CARE , is birthed from one of these difficult times in Frank’s life. He became very discouraged and told how his whole attitude had become one of despair and defeat. After being greatly encouraged by 1 Peter 5:7 wh
Sep 22, 2023
DAY BY DAY
Psalm 27 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” These are good questions! DAY BY DAY is a Scandinavian hymn, written by the ‘Fanny Crosby of Sweden’, Karolina Sandell-Berg…affectionately known as "Lina." She was the daughter of Jonas Sandell, who was the pastor of the village Lutheran church. Though frail in body, she had a strong spirit and feasted on the religious influences
Sep 22, 2023
CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS
Revelations 19:12 says “... and on His Head were many crowns ”. The hymn, CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS was written by Matthew Bridges and initially included 6 stanzas. Matthew thought of it as a sermon in a hymn, based on and inspired by this passage in Revelations 19. He first called it “The Song of The Seraphs.” Even though at one time, Bridges wrote a book condemning Roman Catholics, he later converted to Catholicism. In an interesting twist...Godfrey Thring, a staunch A
Sep 22, 2023
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Those who are involved in the Lay ministry in our churches play an important role in the evangelical cause for a gospel outreach throughout the world. Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr. was granted a license to preach in local Methodist congregations as a lay minister. During his life time, he wrote over 5,000 hymn texts; some of the hymns he wrote we know as “ Higher Ground ” and “ No, Not One !” He accomplished all this even as he was actively engaged in a mercantile business. He
Sep 22, 2023
COME SHARE THE LORD
Bryan J. Leech was born in 1931 and was native to Buckhurst Hill, Essex, England. In 1955 he moved to the United States, and in 1959 was ordained in the Evangelical Covenant denomination. Bryan’s pastoral ministry took him to congregations in Massachusetts, New Jersey and California. During his life he composed over 500 songs, hymns, anthems and cantatas. At times, compositions come immediately to an author’s pen, while at other times, inspiration may require months of ges
Sep 22, 2023
COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE
COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE , is considered to be one of the most chosen harvest-thanksgiving hymns still today. It was written for the English harvest festivals. Praise to God for the harvest was celebrated during the various harvest times each year. The author is Henry “Dean” Alford. Born in October 1910, Henry determined at the age of 16 to follow in the footsteps of several generations in his family, including his father. In answer to God’s call on his life, he become a re
Sep 22, 2023
COME, THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUS
In the Bible, Haggai records that the Lord Almighty said, “I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come...” Inspired by these prophetic words and the words of a prayer published at the time, Charles Wesley wrote the text for this Christmas Carol in 1744. COME THOU LONG EXPTECTED JESUS , describes how Jesus was born a child that first Christmas...yet, He was also born a King...as the wise men knew and had searched for. Wesley’s intent was for people to
Sep 22, 2023
COME THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING
Robert Robinson was born to lowly parents in Norfolk, England in 1735. His father died when he was 8 years old. At the age of 14, Robert’s mother sent him to London to learn the barbering trade. Without the necessary fatherly influence and now on his own, he became associated with a notorious gang of hoodlums and lived a debauched life. At the age of 17, he and his friends attended a church meeting for the purpose of scoffing at the poor deluded Methodists! George Whitef
Sep 22, 2023
CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY
Originally known as the ‘Hymn for Easter Day’, CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY , was written by Charles Wesley in 1739 to be sung during the first service at the new Wesleyan Chapel in London, England. This chapel was in a deserted iron foundry converted into a place of worship; it became known as the Foundry Meeting House. Charles hymn was initially written with 11 verses, but was later reduced to 6 stanzas. In the early 19th century, the joyous "Alleluia" was added at the
Sep 22, 2023
CHRIST AROSE
Dr. Robert Lowry is a name you will hear often as we discover the stories of traditional hymns. Born in 1826, Robert accepted Christ as his personal Saviour at the age of 17. After graduating with honors from Bucknell University and having received his doctorate, he began his pastoral ministry. He pastored several important churches in Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City and Brooklyn. Lowry was recognized as a most capable minister of the gospel, possessing keen insig
Sep 22, 2023
CALVARY COVERS IT ALL
In first John chapter 1 and verse 9, there is a wonderful assurance when it says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Many years ago, Walter and Ethel Taylor were running the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago, Illinois and became known as Ma & Pa Taylor. During one of their evening services, a man slipped into the back of the auditorium who, like many others, was under the influence of alcohol.
Sep 22, 2023
BURDENS ARE LIFTED AT CALVARY
John Moore was born to humble parents on September 1, 1925 in Scotland. At the age of 16, and due to the consistent teaching of his mother and father, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and Friend. He then joined the local Baptist Church and became involved in Sunday School, open air meetings and tract distribution. He studied to become an evangelistic Baptist minister, serving in the famous Tent Hall in Glasgow and several other congregations in Scotland. H
Sep 19, 2023
BREATHE ON ME BREATH OF GOD
This Hymn is based on John 20:21. After Jesus’ resurrection, He met with His followers and said to them, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." Edwin Hatch was famous for his vigorous – almost severe – study habits. Born in England in 1835, his love of knowledge started early. He attended King Edwards school and later both Oxford and Cambridge. In his early
Sep 19, 2023
BORN AGAIN – There’s Really been a Change in Me
Research as we did, finding the author of the song, BORN AGAIN , has been elusive. Wherever we searched… the result would often say “Born Again, by EVIE”. And that in itself is our story today! Born as Evelyn Tornquist in March 1956 to Norwegian parents who had immigrated to the United States, she soon became known affectionately as "Evie"…early in her life. In 1972, at the age of 16, she recorded her debut album…and went on to release more than 30 more including some in
Sep 19, 2023
BLESSED REDEEMER
Mrs. Avis Christiansen is to be ranked as one of the important gospel hymn writers of the 20th century; she has written hundreds of hymn texts and several volumes of published poems. She clearly stated that all of her works came out of her own Christian experience and were expressions of her heart’s spiritual desires and convictions. They flow out of her daily walk and intimate fellowship with the Lord. She collaborated with many well-known gospel musicians. It was the mu
Sep 19, 2023
BLESSED BE THE NAME
In ancient times, names were sacred, or maybe we could say names carried a higher purpose. Names expressed character. Often in the Bible, the name given to a newly born child may have been related to a place, circumstance, experience or event at the time. God sometimes changed the names…as in Abraham and Sarah. After a divine encounter, Jacob…the ‘grabber’ became Israel…God’s prince. Of course, God specifically instructed the names of others, including His Son, Jesus, bec
Sep 19, 2023
BLESSED ASSURANCE
Born in March of 1820, Frances Jane Crosby...known as Fanny Crosby throughout her life...became blind as a baby after a tragic and wrong medical procedure. Hers is an amazing life story in which she wrote over 8000 hymns...some have estimated. The total number has never been accurately calculated. On one occasion, a musician and dear friend of Fanny’s asked her to listen to a new tune she had composed; she wanted Fanny to write some words for the music. As her friend sat a
Sep 18, 2023
BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS
Known throughout her community for her helpful, cheery nature, Elizabeth Clephane was one of a few female hymn writers in Scotland. Although she was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Elizabeth grew up in Melrose. Her father was a county Sheriff and her mother was a descendant of the famous Douglas family. She was one of 3 sisters. Personally, her health was very delicate, yet within the limits of her strength, she served the poor and the sick in her community. She and her siste
Sep 18, 2023
BEHOLD THE LAMB
Dottie Rambo is a name very well known in the Gospel and Country music worlds. Born on March 2, 1934 in Madisonville, Kentucky, she grew up in poverty and developed an early affinity for country music. She learned to play guitar while listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. At age eight, she started writing songs while sitting on a creek bed near her home and was supported by her parents until at age 12. That was when she became a born again Christian and made a commi
Sep 18, 2023
BE THOU MY VISION
So many writings, poems and songs that bring spiritual motivation or encouragement have been composed by un-identified authors; the hymn, BE THOU MY VISION , is one of those anonymous but inspiring verses. This eighteenth-century Irish text was written in the quaint Celtic style. It reminds us of the ageless need of man to have a heavenly vision. It encourages humankind to experience God’s care and personal presence throughout this earthly pilgrimage. Mary Byrne first tran
Sep 18, 2023
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