News, Hymn History, & Resources

Knowles Shaw was known throughout his life as being someone who was devoted to the Lord. He led around 1,400 people to the Lord in his lifetime. A...

 

George Gruenwald, a shoemaker, minister, and author of the hymn, “Come Unto Me, Saith God’s Own Son,” died a tragic death in 1530, after being captured for speaking the Word of God at Kufstein. He was condemned to death and burned for what he believed. He was a true martyr for the faith, following Matthew 6:19-21 with his life:

From obscurity to renown is the journey of this great song. The seed of its birth comes in stanza four. The lines, translated by an unknown hand, were part of a Jewish epic written in Aramaic in 1050. This adaption of the fourth stanza, scrawled upon the cell wall of an insane asylum, was found after an inmate’s death. Presumably, the poor soul, having heard it at a previous occasion, copied it during fleeting moments of clarity.

             Many know little about King James I of England, other than that he commissioned the King  James Version of the Bible, but the pursuit is well worth the time. King James was a godly, Christian man with great intelligence. Sir Francis Bacon called him “The Solomon of Great Britain.”

Johann Heermann was born October 11, 1585 in Raudten, one of five children, but the only to survive. Although he suffered many ailments throughout...

Jehoida Brewer was a man of integrity and honor. He was a true and admirable friend. Salvation of man was always his goal and he spoke with no fea...

William C. Buck, born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, on August 23, 1790, grew up on his family farm. He became a member at the Water Lick Baptist Church, and in 1812 he was ordained into the ministry and became the pastor of Water Lick.

Mr. Charles H. Gabriel was a great composer and musician. Gabriel loved music from a young age. He was born in Iowa on August 18, 1856 and grew up on his family farm. The lessons he learned early in life would shape him into the person he became. In fact, he was only 17 years old when he began teaching singing classes throughout the Southern, Western, and Northern states. It wasn’t long before he moved to California and became one of the greatest composers on the West Coast.

William Batchelder Bradbury is credited for creating a style of children’s music, especially Sunday School tunes, that would be remembered for generations to come. Hall describes him as “kind, patient, and full of sympathy for others.” Hall also stated, “He will always occupy a prominent place in American musical history.”

“Near the Cross” was introduced first in Robert Lowry and William Doane’s volume “Brightest and Best” in 1875. Its simple melody and lyrics have made an indelible mark on the hearts of millions the world over. Hymnwriter Ira Sankey records...

Henry Graves had an appreciation of music that ran deep. He expressed his sympathy and feelings about faith in the words he wrote. Just listen to the words he wrote in the hymn, “Hear Thou My Prayer,” and you will see his passion for the Lord:

Have you ever heard the name George Beverly Shea? He was best known as the featured soloist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; however, he also had many recordings, television rallies, and even a radio program called “Hour of Decision.” His famous song, “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” was the first song he ever wrote.