Glory, Glory

Carrie E. Breck (1855-1934) penned the lines for this beautiful song of the birth of Christ. "She could not carry a tune and had no natural sense of pitch," noted one biographer, "but she had a keen sense of rhythm and loved music." Living in Portland, Oregon, those who knew Carrie hailed her as a deeply-devout Christian. She shared how her daily life caring for home, husband and five daughters intersected with her thousands of poems: "I penciled verses under all conditions; over a mending basket, with a baby on my arm, and sometimes even when sweeping or washing dishes - my mind moved in poetic meter."

The tune's composer was Samuel W. Beazley, who himself authored than four thousand songs and hymns over the course of his decades-long career. Beazley was instrumental in the compilation and production process of multiple collections of hymns, most notably the one hundred and twenty-song compilation entitled “Living Hymns” which was published in 1923.

An able teacher, Beazley taught in various singing schools for ten years, and at the Shenandoah College in Winchester, VA for five years.

Though many of Beazley’s hymns have today fallen into obscurity, those who seek out his melodies or lyrics are blessed by the skill and zeal which Beazley applied to his efforts. Several of Beazley’s tunes include complex or unique elements which make his songs a joy for congregations and choirs alike to sing.

Musician

Samuel W. Beazley

1873-1944

 

Wonderful angels in garments of white,
Came to the shepherds one beautiful night,
Singing a Song of surpassing delight -
Praise to God on high.

Refrain
Glory, glory,
Oh, glory to God on high!
Glory, glory,
Yes, glory to God on high!

Oh, what a song was that song from the sky,
Never such glory did shepherds discry,
Never had heaven before been so nigh,
Praising God on high.

Birth of a Saviour the angels proclaimed,
"City of David" - and "Jesus" - were named -
Then was the word of peace sweetly acclaimed,
Praising God on high.

Never those shepherds forgot what they heard:
Strongly and deeply their hearts had been stirred;
Seeking for Jesus - they heeded the word -
Praising God on high.

Melody Publications is an organization focused on reawakening the melody of truth in the hearts and minds of believers at home and abroad. Our prayer is that our work would aid churches and families as they sing “Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs” in praise and in worship to our God.

 

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