I love to Tell the Story

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 1866

🎵 “I Love to Tell the Story” – History of the Hymn

“I Love to Tell the Story” is a beloved 19th-century Christian hymn known for its simple, joyful message about sharing the gospel.

✍️ Lyrics Author: Arabella Katherine Hankey

  • Written in 1866

  • Part of a long devotional poem titled The Old, Old Story

  • Hankey wrote it while recovering from a serious illness

  • The full poem had two parts:

    1. The Story Wanted

    2. The Story Told

Verses from these sections later became two separate hymns:

  • “Tell Me the Old, Old Story”

  • “I Love to Tell the Story”

🎼 Music Composer: William Gustavus Fischer

  • Composed the tune in 1869

  • The melody is called “Hankey” (named after the lyricist)

  • First published in a collection of Sunday school songs

📖 Historical Context

  • Written during a period of strong evangelical revival movements in both England and America

  • Became popular in revival meetings and missionary gatherings

  • Emphasizes the joy of repeatedly telling the gospel message

🎶 Why It Endures

The hymn remains popular because:

  • It has a memorable, singable melody

  • The lyrics are simple and heartfelt

  • It reflects the timeless desire to share faith

The refrain is especially well known:

I love to tell the story,
’Twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.

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