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Hymn History: Rise Up, O Men of God! Author: William Pierson Merrill “Unless you give yourself to some great cause you haven’t even begun to live.” (William Pierson Merrill) The Origin of the Hymn “Rise Up, O Men of God!” Among the many hymns that have inspired the Church to action and spiritual maturity, few ring with such Read more...
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Hymn History: Standing on the Promises Author: Russell Kelso Carter “Russell Kelso Carter … was a man of many talents and contradictions – a gifted hymn writer, passionate preacher, and pioneering advocate of divine healing, whose life and teachings left a complex legacy that continues to inspire and unsettle.” (Don Chapman) The Origin of the Hymn “Standing on Read more...
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Hymn History: In the Sweet By and By Author: Sanford Fillmore Bennett “His poetry began appearing in [Illinois] newspapers and hymn collections; later he studied medicine while owning a drugstore in Wisconsin.” (Hymntime.com) The Origin of the Hymn “In the Sweet By and By” Among the most enduring and beloved hymns of the 19th century is “In the Read more...
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Hymn History: Sweeter as the Years Go By Author: Lelia Naylor Morris “Choosing to avoid the spotlight and content in her labours as a homemaker, Lelia N. Morris … was often composing while doing housework.” (Melody Publications) The Origin of the Hymn “Sweeter as the Years Go By” The hymn “Sweeter as the Years Go By” has long Read more...
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Hymn History: The Beautiful Garden of Prayer Author: Eleanor Allen Schroll “There’s a garden where Jesus is waiting, There’s a place that is wondrously fair; … ’Tis that beautiful garden of prayer.” (Eleanor Allen Schroll) The Origin of the Hymn “The Beautiful Garden of Prayer” The hymn “The Beautiful Garden of Prayer” is a cherished treasure in the Read more...
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Hymn History: The Haven of Rest Author: Henry Lake Gilmour “Today I woke up singing the old hymn, ‘The Haven of Rest’! It was written by Henry Lake Gilmour.” (Judy Weltin) The Origin of the Hymn “The Haven of Rest” “The Haven of Rest” is a deeply beloved hymn of the Christian faith, expressing the refuge and peace Read more...
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Hymn History: The Rock That Is Higher Than I Author: Erastus Johnson “Many banks failed … Erastus Johnson wrote the hymn ‘The Rock That Is Higher Than I’ to encourage those present…” (Robert Cottrill) The Origin of the Hymn “The Rock That Is Higher Than I” “The Rock That Is Higher Than I” is one of the most Read more...
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Hymn History: The Star-Spangled Banner Author: Francis Scott Key “The patriot who feels himself in the service of God, who acknowledges Him in all his ways, has the promise of Almighty direction, and will find His Word in his greatest darkness.” (Francis Scott Key) The Origin of the Hymn “The Star-Spangled Banner” “The Star-Spangled Banner” is not just Read more...
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Hymn History: There Is Power in the Blood Author: Lewis Edgar Jones “Little did the modest man know that his hobby of hymn writing would be his most enduring legacy.” (Don Chapman) The Origin of the Hymn “There Is Power in the Blood” The hymn “There Is Power in the Blood” is one of the most enduring and Read more...
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Hymn History: There’s a Song in the Air Author: Josiah Gilbert Holland “In 1872 … writing a special Christmas hymn … He described how wonderful it was ‘in the homes of the nations’ who declare that ‘Jesus is King!’” (Inspiration Ministries) The Origin of the Hymn “There’s a Song in the Air” The hymn “There’s a Song in Read more...
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Hymn History: This Is My Father’s World Author: Maltbie Davenport Babcock “Good habits are not made on birthdays, nor Christian character at the new year. The workshop of character is everyday life. The uneventful and commonplace hour is where the battle is lost or won.” (Maltbie Davenport Babcock) The Origin of the Hymn “This Is My Father’s World” Read more...
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Hymn History: Throw Out the Life-Line Author: Edward Smith Ufford “Pastor Ufford had a great concern for the lost. He decided to put together a presentation that made use of his hymn … In 1902 he toured the world with this presentation. In Honolulu, Hawaii, he was privileged to hear his hymn sung in the native tongue.” (Robert Cottrill) Read more...
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Hymn History: Verily, Verily Author: James McGranahan “Though his health limited his hours of productivity, some of his best hymns were written during these days. McGranahan was a most lovable, gentle, modest, unassuming, gentleman, and a refined and cultured Christian.” (Hymnary.org) The Origin of the Hymn “Verily, Verily” “Verily, Verily”—also known by its opening line, “Oh, what a Read more...
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Hymn History: What Will You Do with Jesus? Author: Albert Benjamin Simpson “Our God has boundless resources. The only limit is in us. Our asking, our thinking, our praying are too small. Our expectations are too limited.” (Albert Benjamin Simpson) The Origin of the Hymn “What Will You Do with Jesus?” “What Will You Do with Jesus?” is Read more...
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Hymn History: When I See the Blood Author: John Grier Foote “A spirited gospel song written by John G. Foote – a man about whom nothing is known but his name. But his song is rich in Christian doctrine.” (Robert Cottrill) The Origin of the Hymn “When I See the Blood” “When I See the Blood” is a Read more...
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Hymn History: Yield Not to Temptation Author: Horatio Richmond Palmer “He organized the Church Choral Union which at its height enrolled 20,000 singers and performed in Madison Square Garden.” (John Howell) The Origin of the Hymn “Yield Not to Temptation” “Yield Not to Temptation” is a classic gospel hymn that has been cherished by Christians for generations. Written Read more...
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Elisabeth Howard Elliot “God is God. Because he is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what he is up to.” (Elisabeth Howard Elliot) Elisabeth Howard Elliot: A Legacy of Faith, Courage, and Obedience Elisabeth Howard Elliot’s name has Read more...
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Elmer Lee Deal “From 1962 to 2009 … there were 158 churches started. Many more than the verified 158 churches were started, but the actual number is unknown due to their remote locations in the bush.” (Christian Hall of Fame) Early Life and Call to Service Elmer Lee Deal was born on August 11, 1925, in Rocky Comfort, Missouri. Read more...
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Lee Edward Roberson “The greatest faith is born in the hour of despair. When we can see no hope and no way out, then faith rises and brings the victory.” (Lee Edward Roberson) Early Life and Formative Years Lee Edward Roberson was born November 24, 1909, near English, Indiana, in a modest two-room log cabin. His parents, Charles E. Read more...
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Jerry Laymon Falwell Sr. “Nothing of spiritual significance comes without sacrifice. Your spirituality will always be measured by the size of your sacrifice.” (Jerry Laymon Falwell Sr.) Jerry Laymon Falwell Sr. Jerry Laymon Falwell Sr. (born August 11, 1933 – died May 15, 2007) was a towering figure in modern American evangelicalism. His influence spanned pulpit, media, education and Read more...