hymn histories

  1883 “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing” – History of the Hymn “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing” is a well-known Christian hymn written in 1883 by Daniel Webster Whittle (lyrics) and composed by James McGranahan (music). 📖 Biblical Inspiration The hymn is based on Ezekiel 34:26 from the Bible: “I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” The imagery of “showers” symbolizes spiritual renewal, revival, and God’s abundant grace. ✍️ The Lyricist – Daniel Webster Whittle A former Civil War soldier who later became an evangelist. Closely associated with the evangelical revival movements of the late 19th century. Worked with well-known gospel musicians, including Philip Paul Bliss and James McGranahan. Wrote many hymns under the pen name “El Nathan.” Whittle’s evangelistic ministry heavily emphasized prayer, repentance, and revival—key themes reflected in this hymn. 🎵 The Composer – James McGranahan A prominent go...

1924 🎵 History of the Hymn “Redeemed” The hymn “Redeemed” (often titled “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It!” ) is a beloved gospel song from the late 19th century. ✍️ Author and Composition Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915) Music (Composer): William J. Kirkpatrick Year Written: 1882 Fanny J. Crosby, one of the most prolific hymn writers in Christian history (author of over 8,000 hymns), wrote the text in 1882. William J. Kirkpatrick, a well-known gospel songwriter and composer, set her words to music the same year. 📖 Background and Inspiration The hymn centers on the theme of redemption through Jesus Christ , reflecting Crosby’s deep personal faith. Though blind from infancy, Crosby frequently wrote about spiritual sight, joy, and assurance in Christ. “Redeemed” expresses: Gratitude for salvation Joy in being forgiven Assurance of belonging to Christ The repeated refrain emphasizes the believer’s testimony: “Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the...

  ?? 🎵 History of the Hymn “Redeemed” The hymn “Redeemed” (often titled “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It!” ) is a beloved gospel song from the late 19th century. ✍️ Author and Composition Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915) Music (Composer): William J. Kirkpatrick Year Written: 1882 Fanny J. Crosby, one of the most prolific hymn writers in Christian history (author of over 8,000 hymns), wrote the text in 1882. William J. Kirkpatrick, a well-known gospel songwriter and composer, set her words to music the same year. 📖 Background and Inspiration The hymn centers on the theme of redemption through Jesus Christ , reflecting Crosby’s deep personal faith. Though blind from infancy, Crosby frequently wrote about spiritual sight, joy, and assurance in Christ. “Redeemed” expresses: Gratitude for salvation Joy in being forgiven Assurance of belonging to Christ The repeated refrain emphasizes the believer’s testimony: “Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by...

  1882 The hymn “Redeemed” (often titled “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It!” ) is a beloved gospel song from the late 19th century. ✍️ Author and Composition Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915) Music (Composer): William J. Kirkpatrick Year Written: 1882 Fanny J. Crosby, one of the most prolific hymn writers in Christian history (author of over 8,000 hymns), wrote the text in 1882. William J. Kirkpatrick, a well-known gospel songwriter and composer, set her words to music the same year. 📖 Background and Inspiration The hymn centers on the theme of redemption through Jesus Christ , reflecting Crosby’s deep personal faith. Though blind from infancy, Crosby frequently wrote about spiritual sight, joy, and assurance in Christ. “Redeemed” expresses: Gratitude for salvation Joy in being forgiven Assurance of belonging to Christ The repeated refrain emphasizes the believer’s testimony: “Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb…” 🎶 Musical Style ...

1932 “O Happy Day” has a surprisingly long and layered history—way older than most people expect. Origins (18th century) The words come from an English hymn by Philip Doddridge (1702–1751), a Nonconformist minister and hymn writer. Doddridge originally wrote the text as “O Happy Day, That Fixed My Choice” , reflecting a believer’s commitment to Christ. The hymn text was published after his death , around 1755 , in a collection of his hymns. Early hymn tunes The original text was sung to several different tunes in the 18th and 19th centuries. One important later tune was “Rimbault” , composed by Edward F. Rimbault in 1849 , which helped keep the hymn in regular church use. Transformation into a gospel classic (20th century) The version most people know today comes from Edwin Hawkins , a young gospel musician from California. In 1967–1968 , Hawkins and the Northern California State Youth Choir rearranged the hymn dramatically: Faster tempo Repetitive, ...

1755 “O Happy Day” has a surprisingly long and layered history—way older than most people expect. Origins (18th century) The words come from an English hymn by Philip Doddridge (1702–1751), a Nonconformist minister and hymn writer. Doddridge originally wrote the text as “O Happy Day, That Fixed My Choice” , reflecting a believer’s commitment to Christ. The hymn text was published after his death , around 1755 , in a collection of his hymns. Early hymn tunes The original text was sung to several different tunes in the 18th and 19th centuries. One important later tune was “Rimbault” , composed by Edward F. Rimbault in 1849 , which helped keep the hymn in regular church use. Transformation into a gospel classic (20th century) The version most people know today comes from Edwin Hawkins , a young gospel musician from California. In 1967–1968 , Hawkins and the Northern California State Youth Choir rearranged the hymn dramatically: Faster tempo Repetitive, joyful...

  1904 “God Will Take Care of You” is one of the most tender and enduring American gospel hymns , loved for its quiet assurance and pastoral warmth. Here’s the story behind it 🤍 Authors and date Lyrics: Civilla D. Martin (1866–1948) Music: Walter Stillman Martin (1862–1935) Written: 1904 Civilla and Walter Martin were a married couple who often collaborated—she writing texts, he composing tunes. Together, they contributed significantly to early gospel hymnody. The moment that inspired it The hymn was written during a time of personal uncertainty . Civilla Martin and her husband were involved in evangelistic work, which often meant financial instability and frequent travel. According to Civilla Martin’s own account, the hymn was inspired by a simple but powerful reassurance spoken by a visiting preacher who had to cancel an engagement because of illness. He expressed confidence that even though plans had changed, “God will take care of you.” That phrase stay...

  1895 “No, Not One” is a classic American gospel hymn that came out of the late-19th-century revival movement and quickly became a favorite for its warm, reassuring message. Here’s the background 📜 Origins and authorship Lyrics: Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856–1922) Music: George C. Hugg (1848–1907) Date: Written in 1899 This hymn is another example of the fruitful partnership between lyricists and composers during the golden age of gospel hymnody. Johnson Oatman Jr. was one of the most prolific gospel hymn writers ever, credited with over 5,000 hymns . Though he worked primarily as an insurance agent, he wrote hymns in his spare time and was deeply involved in evangelical ministry. George C. Hugg , the composer, was a respected church musician and choir director who set many gospel texts to music that was easy for congregations to sing. Inspiration and theme The hymn centers on the matchless love, compassion, and faithfulness of Jesus . Its title and recurring refrain...

  1904 “ Jesus Is All the World to Me ” is a well-loved American gospel hymn from the early 20th century, closely associated with personal devotion and evangelical worship. Here’s its story 🌿 Author and composer The hymn was written and composed by Will L. Thompson (1847–1909), a prolific gospel songwriter, singer, and music publisher from Ohio. Thompson founded the Will L. Thompson Music Company , which became an important publisher of revival and gospel music in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Unlike many hymns where lyrics and music come from different people, Thompson wrote both the words and the tune for this hymn. Date and context Published: 1904 Era: The gospel hymn movement in the United States Setting: Revival meetings, Sunday schools, and evangelistic services This period emphasized personal faith, emotional sincerity, and a close relationship with Jesus , which strongly shaped the hymn’s message. Message and theology The hymn expresses a deeply personal ...