hymn histories

1772 "Amazing Grace" was  written in 1772 by John Newton, an English slave trader turned Anglican clergyman, as a personal reflection on his conversion and salvation . First published in 1779 in  Olney Hymns , it gained immense popularity in the United States during the early 19th-century Second Great Awakening. The iconic "New Britain" melody was added later in 1835.   Key Historical Details: Author & Inspiration:  John Newton (1725–1807) wrote the lyrics after a profound religious experience following a life of profanity and slave trading, including surviving a violent sea storm in 1748. Purpose:  Written for a New Year's Day service in 1773, it accompanied a sermon on 1 Chronicles 17:16–17, reflecting on God's grace. Publication:  First appeared in the  Olney Hymns in Three Books  (1779) in London. Melody:  The lyrics were originally sung to various tunes. In 1835, American composer  William Walker  set the words to the "New ...

  1882 The hymn "Jesus Saves" (often known as "We Have Heard the Joyful Sound") was written in 1882 by American Sunday School teacher Priscilla J. Owens for a missionary service in Baltimore. Composed with a march-like tune by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1882, the song was designed to inspire children to spread the gospel.  Key historical details include: Purpose: Written for the Union Square Methodist Episcopal Church to ignite a passion for global missions. Author/Composer: Priscilla J. Owens (lyrics) and William J. Kirkpatrick (music). Theme: Focuses on the "joyful sound" of salvation, often highlighting the need to share this message across the world. Impact: Became a popular hymn during 19th-century revival movements, frequently used by evangelists like Dwight L. Moody and Ira Sankey.  The hymn is based on the Gospel message found in 1 Timothy 1:15, proclaiming that Christ came to save sinners . 

  1897 "No, Never Alone" is a renowned 19th-century gospel hymn  written by Ludie D. Pickett in 1897, with music composed by Bentley D. Ackley, designed to offer comfort through the biblical promise of Christ’s presence . It emphasizes overcoming loneliness, trials, and despair, famously anchored by the chorus: "No, never alone, no, never alone; He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone".   Origins and Creation (1897) Lyricist:  Ludie Carrington Day Pickett (1867–1950), a teacher at Asbury College and temperance advocate in Kentucky, wrote the lyrics. Composer:   Bentley D. Ackley  (1872–1958), a prolific musician who worked with evangelist Billy Sunday, composed the tune, matching the text's hopeful, confident tone. Inspiration:  The hymn is rooted in the promise found in Hebrews 13:5, assuring believers that God will never leave them. It is also believed to have been influenced by a desire to offer spiritual comfort to those dealing with...

  1958 "He is Lord" is a widely popular, often anonymous, 20th-century Christian chorus deeply rooted in the Charismatic Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Based on the confession of faith in Philippians 2:10-11, it is characterized by its simple, repetitive structure, often used to create a meditative or celebrative atmosphere, and is widely sung in various denominations.  Origins and Authorship Anonymous Charismatic Origin: While often treated as a traditional folk hymn, the song gained massive popularity during the 1960s charismatic movement as a Scripture song. Contested Authorship: Although some sources claim it was written by American evangelist Marvin V. Frey (1918–1992) as early as 1952 in Portland, Oregon, others indicate the author is unknown, as it was in widespread oral use by 1973. Initial Documentation: The song appeared in The Mennonite (Dec 1973) and in evangelical/charismatic settings, such as the Elim Easter Convention in 1973.  Key Aspects of the Song Bib...

  1907 “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” — a brief history This well-loved Christian hymn comes out of the early 20th-century American holiness movement and is rooted deeply in biblical imagery. Text (lyrics) Author: Adelaide Addison Pollard (1862–1934) Date: 1907 Pollard was a Methodist poet and teacher who struggled with disappointment over not being able to go to the mission field as she had hoped. During that season, she spent time reflecting on Jeremiah 18 , where the prophet watches a potter shaping clay on a wheel. The image of surrender—allowing God to reshape one’s life—became the heart of the hymn. The opening line captures that theme perfectly: “Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.” Rather than triumph or certainty, the hymn emphasizes yielding, trust, and submission , which is why it’s often used during moments of consecration, prayer, or reflection. Tune Composer: George Coles Stebbins (1846–1945) Tune name: AD...

  1926 "Spirit of the Living God" was  written and composed in  February 1926  by  Daniel Iverson , a Presbyterian minister from North Carolina.   Inspiration:  Iverson wrote the hymn after attending an evangelistic revival in Orlando, Florida, led by the  George T. Stephans Evangelistic Party . He was deeply moved by a sermon on the Holy Spirit given by a physician, Dr. Barron. Composition:  Following the sermon, Iverson went to the  First Presbyterian Church of Orlando , sat at the piano, and wrote both the lyrics and the tune, now known as  "IVERSON" . The original manuscript was transcribed by the revival team's pianist, Miss Birdie Loes. Initial Popularity:  The hymn was immediately taught to the revival congregation and grew in popularity through oral tradition and  printed leaflets . Publication:  It first appeared in print in  1929  in Robert H. Coleman's  Revival Songs , though it was published...

  1962 "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" was written in 1962 by American gospel composer Doris Akers, often called "Miss Gospel Music". The hymn was born from a spontaneous moment of deep prayer and has since become a global staple in Christian worship.  1. The Inspiration The song originated during a pre-service prayer session with Akers' Sky Pilot Choir at the Sky Pilot Revival Center in Los Angeles.  The Prayer Meeting: Akers felt the choir wasn't spiritually prepared for the service and asked them to pray a second time. The "Sweet Spirit": The prayer grew so intense and moving that Akers struggled to end it, even though the pastor was waiting for them to start the service. The Quote: As she finally led the choir out, she told them, "I hate to leave this room... but there is such a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place". The Composition: The melody and lyrics "sang" to her the next morning; she went to her piano and finished the song that da...

  1886 Origins Text: Written by Edwin Hatch (1835–1889), an Anglican priest and theologian Date: First published in 1878 Source: Hatch wrote it as part of a small devotional collection called Between Doubt and Prayer Hatch was more widely known in his lifetime as a scholar than as a hymn writer, which makes it a bit ironic that this simple hymn became his most enduring legacy. Inspiration & Theme The hymn is based on John 20:22 , where the risen Christ breathes on the disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Rather than focusing on dramatic religious imagery, Hatch emphasized: Quiet spiritual renewal Inner transformation Daily obedience and holiness This gentle, prayer-like tone was somewhat unusual at the time, when many hymns leaned toward triumph or doctrine-heavy language. Music The hymn is most commonly sung to the tune “Carlisle,” composed by John Bacchus Dykes (1823–1876). Dykes’s melody, published shortly before his death, matched Ha...

  1871 Origin and Authorship “Footprints of Jesus” was written by Mary Bridges Canedy Slade (1826–1882), an American hymn writer and poet. She composed the text in 1871 . Author: Mary B. C. Slade Date: 1871 Country: United States Original purpose: To encourage Christian discipleship and faithful living The hymn opens with the familiar line: “Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling, ‘Come, follow Me!’” Musical Setting The hymn is commonly sung to a tune also called “Footprints of Jesus,” which is generally attributed to Asa Hull , a 19th-century American gospel song composer. The pairing of Slade’s text with Hull’s tune helped the hymn spread widely in revival meetings, Sunday schools, and Protestant churches. Theme and Message The hymn is based on biblical discipleship , especially Jesus’ call in passages like: Matthew 4:19 – “Follow Me…” 1 Peter 2:21 – “…leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.” Key themes include: Following Christ’...

  1912 1. Origins of the Hymn “In the Garden” (sometimes called “I Come to the Garden Alone”) was written in 1912 by C. Austin Miles, an American gospel music composer and former pharmacist. It was first published in 1913. The hymn was inspired by the resurrection narrative in John 20, particularly Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Christ in the garden tomb. “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’” — John 20:16 Miles wanted to capture the intimate, personal moment between Jesus and Mary—an encounter marked not by doctrine or proclamation, but by recognition, relationship, and tenderness. 2. The Author: C. Austin Miles (1868–1946) Early Life Born in New Jersey Trained as a pharmacist Later worked as an editor and songwriter for the Hall-Mack Company, a major publisher of gospel music Musical Output Wrote over 400 gospel songs Most famous works: In the Garden A New Name in Glory Dwelling in Beulah Land Despite his prolific output...

  1874 1. Origins and Authorship Title: Low in the Grave He Lay (commonly called He Arose) Author & Composer: Robert Lowry (1826–1899) Date Written: 1874 Country: United States Robert Lowry was a Baptist minister, professor of literature, and one of the most influential gospel hymn writers of the 19th century. He wrote both the lyrics and the music for this hymn, which was somewhat unusual at the time, as many hymn writers collaborated with composers. Lowry reportedly wrote the hymn quickly and spontaneously, a common feature of his work. When asked about his hymn writing, Lowry often said the melodies “came to him” almost fully formed. 2. Historical and Religious Context “He Arose” was written during a period of revivalism in American Protestant Christianity, especially in the post–Civil War era. This was a time when: Gospel songs were becoming more emotional, personal, and celebratory Congregational singing was emphasized Simple, memorable refrains were favored for mass parti...

  1933 1. Origins and Authorship Title: He Lives Author & Composer: Alfred Henry Ackley (1887–1960) Year Written: 1933 Alfred H. Ackley was an American Presbyterian minister, gospel songwriter, and musician. He was classically trained (Royal Academy of Music, London) and wrote over 1,500 hymns and gospel songs , though He Lives became his most famous. 2. Historical & Personal Context The hymn was written during a period when liberal theology and skepticism were influencing many churches in the early 20th century. Some ministers and scholars questioned: The literal resurrection of Jesus The supernatural elements of Christianity The authority of Scripture According to Ackley’s own account, a young student asked him how he could still believe Jesus was alive when modern intellectuals were saying otherwise. That question deeply troubled him. Ackley later said he wrote He Lives as a personal confession of faith , not as an academic argument: “I wrote it becau...