Hymn Story: An Evening Prayer
The hymn “An Evening Prayer” was written by C. Maud Battersby. I’ve been unable to find any additional information on Battersby. The hymn is sometimes referred to by the first line “If I have wounded…
Hymn Story: I Have Found a Friend
Happy Father’s Day! “I’ve found a Friend” was written by James G. Small. Small’s was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1817. In 1847, he became the minister of the Free Church at Bervie. He wrote…
Hymn Story: When they Ring those Golden Bells
Daniel de Marbelle wrote “When they Ring Those Golden Bells” in 1887. The song describes a phrase found in the Bible with a “golden bells” a reference found in Exodus 39:25. “And they made bells…
Hymn Story: Old Time Religion
The Jubilee song, “Old Time Religion” has a long and complicated history that’s not very clear. Whether it originated as an English folk song or a spiritual is up for debate. It is believed that…
Author Spotlight: Tamelia Aday
It is a joy to introduce my friend, Tamelia Aday to you today. Her debut novel just came out. Welcome, Tamelia! What inspired you to become a writer? As soon as I could read, I…
Hymn Story: Day by Day
Lina Sandell wrote the hymn “Day by Day (and with Each Passing Moment)” in 1865. Several years earlier she’d witnessed the tragic drowning of her father. She was a prolific Swedish hymn writer. The hymn…
Hymn Story: Somebody Bigger Than You and I
The song “Somebody Bigger Than You and I” was written by Johnny Lange, Hy Heath, and Sonny Burke. The men were American composers. Mahalia Jackson released the song on her 1960 album “I Believe.” Other…
Hymn Story: God Give Us Christian Homes
Baylus B. McKinney wrote the hymn “God, Give Us Christian Homes” which is very fitting for Mother’s Day. He wrote around 150 songs and composed music for about 115 more songs. McKinney served as music…
Hymn Story: No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus
Charles F. Weigle wrote the hymn “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus” in 1932. Mr. Weigle wrote over 1,000 Gospel songs and spent his career preaching and song writing.
Song Story: Spring Has Sprung
Spring is in the air making us think about the song “Spring Has Sprung.” The song was written by Thomas Chisholm, a Methodist minister and hymn writer. He dedicated his life to Christ around 1893…
Song Story: Shine, Jesus, Shine
“Shine, Jesus, Shine” is a popular praise song. It was written in 1987 by Graham Kendrick. Kendrick recounted that he’d written three verses and road-tested them. The song didn’t seem to come together and he…
Hymn Story: Come Worship Him
“Come and Worship” is a hymn written by Fanny Crosby. Over her career as a hymn writer, Crosby’s words were partnered with melodies of numerous composers. Phoebe Knapp is the composer of this hymn and…
Hymn Story: Scars in Heaven
“Scars in Heaven” is a song by Casting Crowns about hope in the midst of loss. Mark Hall wrote the story as his grandparents slowly passed away. To learn more about the story behind this…
Easter Song Story: St. John Passion
The Passion or oratorio “St. John Passion” was written by Johann Sebastian Bach. It was written during his first year as director of church music in Leipzig and was first performed on April 7, 1724,…
Author Spotlight: Chris Maday Schmidt
Today it’s my pleasure to welcome Chris Maday Schmidt, as she tells us about her newest release. Welcome, Chris! I can’t wait to hear more about the llama and alpaca. Tell us about your latest…
Hymn Story: My Song is Love Unknown
Samuel Crossman, a Puritan minister, wrote the hymn “My Song is Love Unknown” in 1664. At the time he wrote the hymn, he’d been exiled from the Church of England for his opposition to the…
Author Spotlight: Sally Jo Pitts
It’s a joy to introduce you to Sally Jo Pitts today. 1. Tell us about your latest release- Sweet Deceit is about a waitress who has an attempt made on her life and as she…
Hymn Story: My Anchor Holds
William C. Martin wrote the 1902 hymn “My Anchor Holds.” Martin was born in 1864 in Hightstown, NJ. He served as a minister to churches in New Jersey, Connecticut, Indiana, Mass., and Florida and wrote…
Hymn Story: Let Us with a Gladsome Mind
John Milton (1608-1674) wrote the hymn “Let Us with a Gladsome Mind” in 1623. Milton composed various musical versions of some of the Psalms. This hymn is based on Psalm 136. The tune “Monkland” is…
Hymn Story: In the Cross of Christ I Glory
John Bowring wrote “In the Cross of Christ I Glory.” Bowing was born in Exeter, Devon, England on Oct. 17, 1792. He is considered a great linguist, having been self-taught, he mastered five languages. He…