TO GOD BE THE GLORY

The way of a hymn reaching to be a favourite in the hearts of men and women sometimes take very different paths.  It may be a surprise to learn that “TO GOD BE THE GLORY,” although well-known and requested today, was once a hymn that lay hidden for some eighty years!

"Praise for Redemption," as the song was originally called, was written by Fanny Crosby and first appeared in an 1875 publication of hymns entitled "Brightest and Best," complied by William Doane and Robert Lowry.  But the song was not much of a hit, nor widely included in hymnals.

In preparing for the 1954 Billy Graham Crusades at London’s Harringay Arena, music director, Cliff Barrows, was compiling hymns to be printed in the crusade song book.  A local pastor, Rev. Frank Colquhoun, suggested he consider Fanny’s hymn with its rousing chorus.  It was included.

At the same time, Billy Graham was experiencing mounting problems from the press, church leaders and even a Member of Parliament.  Billy and his team fell to their knees beseeching help from heaven.  As it turned out, the arena was packed every night for three months.  Fanny Crosby’s old hidden hymn was used at almost every program…launching it into worldwide popularity!