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| Do you ever wonder why a particular hymn was written, or what the story is behind the words? Each week songs that follow the Lectionary will be featured so we can develop a more meaningful understanding of the hymns we sing. |
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In Christ There Is No East or West
This hymn was written by John Oxenham and was first published in 1913 in Bees in Amber, a book he printed himself. The first American hymnal to include the hymn was Hymns of the Living Age by H. Augustine Smith, published in 1925. The words are based on Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
The tune is "St. Peter" and is named for St. Peter's-in-the-East Church, Oxford, England, where its composer, Alexander Robert Reinagle, was the organist for 31 years. The tune was first published in 1936 in Reinagle's Psalm Tunes for the Voice and Pianoforte, originally set to Psalm 118.
An interesting account is told of an incident during World War II in which there were two ships anchored together, one containing Japanese aliens and the other American aliens, waiting to be repatriated. For one day they lined the rails, glaring at each other. Suddenly, someone began to sing "In Christ There is No East or West." Then another, on the opposite ship, joined in. Soon there was an extraordinary chorus of former enemies praising God together.
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It Is Well With My Soul
This hymn was written by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873. His wife and four daughters were traveling to Great Britain and he was to join them in a few days. On November 22, the ship was struck by another vessel and sank in 12 minutes. Several days later the survivors were finally landed at Cardiff, Wales, and Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband, "Saved alone." Shortly afterward, Spafford left by ship to join his bereaved wife. It is thought that on the sea near the area where four daughters had drowned, Spafford penned this text whose words so significantly describe his own personal grief -- "When sorrows like sea billows roll . . . " It is noteworthy, however, that Spafford's hymn does not dwell on the them of life's sorrows and trials. It is amazing that one would still be able to say with such convincing clarity, "It is well with my soul."
Philip P. Bliss was so impressed with the story behind the words that he wrote the music for it. It was first published in 1876 in Gospel Hymns No. Two.
A Bible verse which applies to this story is Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
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| -- Taken from 101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, p. 119-120. |
-- Taken from 101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, p. 127-128. |
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| On Wednesdays from September through May, we have Chancel Choir rehearsals for adults and high school youth at 7:00 p.m., directed by Frank McCauley. New voices are always welcomed with open arms! Opportunities are available for vocalists and instrumentalists for special music. Just come to practice or contact Frank McCauley for information on joining the choir or participating in the music ministry of our church. |
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| Beginning August 1, 2005, Frank McCauley began his position as our new Director of Music. Frank grew up attending Wildare United Methodist Church, which greatly impacted his spiritual and musical life. He has since graduated from the Dana School of Music of Youngstown State University with a Bachelors degree in Music Education. After graduating, Frank accepted a teaching position at Hubbard Schools where he directs choirs for grades 5-12. |
On September 23, 2007, we welcomed Lori Seinar-Roknick to our church as our new organist-pianist-accompanist. She comes to us with an impressive keyboard and vocal background and a warm and generous spirit. She has served several churches over the years as organist and accompanist. In addition to Lori's masterful keyboard skills, she is an excellent sight-reader and choir accompanist. She demonstrates her love of music and passion for expressing it in ways that move us.
Lori teaches music and fine arts in the Joseph Badger Local School district and is director of the elementary school gifted student program. Please welcome Lori, her husband Mike, and their 14-year-old daughter Sarah to this community of faith! |
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Howland United Methodist Church
730 Howland Wilson Rd NE
Warren, OH 44484
Phone: 330-856-3463
Fax: 330-856-7037
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