I WILL SING THE WONDROUS STORY

Francis Rowley was a Baptist Minister of the First Baptist church of North Adams, Massachusetts in 1886.  He remembers, and I quote, “The church and community were experiencing a period of unusual interest in religious matters, and I was assisted by a remarkable young Swiss musician by the name of Peter Bilhorn.” End of quote.

One Sunday, following the evening service, Peter Bilhorn asked Pastor Rowley to write the words of a hymn that he could then set to music.  During that night, the words to I WILL SING THE WONDROUS STORY, came to Francis.  Peter Bilhorn composed the music and Ira Sankey published the hymn in 1887.

Peter Bilhorn, composed over 2,000 gospel songs.  Not only a skillful songwriter, he was also known to be an earnest soul winner.  Realizing that there was a need for a portable musical instrument for use in street ministry, he designed a folding organ weighing only sixteen pounds and started its manufacturing process…a venture that became most successful.  Prior to 1908, Peter preceded Homer Rodeheaver as the song leader for the well-known street evangelist, Billy Sunday.

The theme of, I WILL SING THE WONDROUS STORY, is found in Psalm 89 verse1… where the Psalmist states, “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever…”