THE WONDER OF IT ALL

George Beverly Shea was born in Winchester, Ontario where his father was a minister in the Wesleyan Methodist Church.  He was taught to play the violin by his father and the piano and organ by his mother. 

He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour at the age of 5 or 6 and re-dedicated his life as a Christian at the age of 18. Shea’s bass-baritone voice brought early recognition and provided many opportunities for him to sing at religious meetings around the Ottawa Valley.

Although Canadian born, George became known as America’s beloved gospel singer and was considered the first international singing star of the gospel world.  This was largely because of his exposure on radio, records and television and his solos at Billy Graham Crusades.  It is said that Rev. Graham would not preach until George had first ministered in music.  It is also estimated that due to the large audiences at all the Crusades, George Beverly Shea sang live before more people than anyone else in history.

George wrote the words and music for the hymn, THE WONDER OF IT ALL.  It is a simple but clear message wrapped up in one phrase.  After seeing the wonders of God’s creation all around, the most amazing wonder is “Just to think that God loves me!”