Join us as we go on location to the birthplace of the man who wrote “Great is Thy Faithfulness”
Category: Hymn History
S2E1: Dr. David Smith on Hymn Stories
Dr. David Smith is the son of Al Smith, founder of Singspiration. In this episode, Dr. Smith tells the fascinating histories behind some of the most loved hymns of today. Watch online: https://www.vcy.tv/our-christian-heritage-with-randy-melchert/videos/och-dr-david-smith-hymn-stories
S1E12: Dr. Milton Loyer on Hymns of Central Pennsylvania
A surprising number of Gospel songs in our hymnals come from central Pennsylvania. In this episode, Dr. Loyer, the archivist for the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church, talks about these songs and the stories behind them. Watch online: https://www.vcy.tv/our-christian-heritage-with-randy-melchert/videos/our-christian-heritage-s1e12-milton-loyer
S1E5: Bob and Mary Shaffer on The Old Rugged Cross Church and Museum
In this episode, Bob and Mary Shaffer, of the Old Rugged Cross Church and Museum, invite us into the restored, 1913 church building where the beloved hymn was first sung. They talk about how they took a collapsing barn and turned it back into a church, some of the other sites that claim “The Old Read more…
S1E4: Ed Petrus on Ira Sankey and His Songs
Ed Petrus of New Castle, Pennsylvania, tells the story of Ira Sankey and the inspiration for his song, “The Ninety and Nine.” Watch online: https://www.vcy.tv/our-christian-heritage-with-randy-melchert/videos/04-our-christian-heritage-ira-sankey-and-his-songs
Robert Lowry, Pastor & Hymnwriter
He wrote Shall We Gather at the River, What Can Wash Away My Sin?, Low in the Grave He Lay, Jesus My Savior; as well as the chorus to I Need Thee, O I Need Thee
Phillip Bliss and the Ashtabula Train Disaster
In Ashtabula, Ohio, near the hospital, is a historical marker to what was the worst train disaster in American history to that point. Philip Bliss and his wife Lucy died in the greatest train wreck to-date on American History on December 29, 1876. But he left us a hymn, “I Will Sing of My Read more…
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
Stand up! stand up for Jesus! Ye soldiers of the cross;Lift high His royal banner, It must not suffer loss:From vict’ry unto vict’ry His army shall He lead,Till every foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed. Stand up for JesusYe soldiers of the cross;Lift high His royal banner, It must not, it must not suffer loss. Stand up! stand Read more…
Wonderful Peace
Join us as we go on location to West Bend, WI to learn about the Wisconsin gospel song, Wonderful Peace! This hymn is a uniquely Wisconsin hymn. The words were written by a pastor buried in Wisconsin, and set to music by a pastor born in Wisconsin. Rev. Warren D. Cornell was born in Michigan Read more…
Fanny Crosby in Bridgeport, CT
Learn the story behind “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” and “I Shall Know Him” as we go on location to Bridgeport, CT where Fanny Crosby’s later years were spent. We’ll see: Bridgeport Public Library: Open any hymnal and you will find countless hymns by Fanny Crosby. Though her early life was spent in New Read more…