Thursday, June 2, 2011

When the Sermon is too Long...

Elvina M. Hall sat in the choir loft as the pastor's sermon seemed to drone on longer than need be. While waiting for her pastor, George Schrick of the Monument Street Methodist Church of Baltimore, Maryland to finish speaking, her mind drifted to salvation and the immense price that Christ had paid for it. Some words began to appear in her mind but she had no paper. The only paper she had at hand was her hymnbook. She began scribbling on the flyleaf of her hymnbook the words that were racing in her mind.

After the service had finished she handed the newly written words to her pastor. Pastor Schrick remembered that the organist, John Grape, had recently told him of a new tune that he had recently written and given the pastor called "All to Christ I Owe." 

To the surprise of all, the words of Elvina Hall and tune of John Grape fit perfectly together! The pastor put words and music together and one of the most beloved hymns of the church came into being in 1874. You remember the words to this moving and beloved hymn:









9 comments:

Larri said...

I had no idea the history of one of my favorite songs. I know it best with a contemporary addition midsong of...

"Oh praise the One Who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead."

Thanks for sharing. Happy Thursday! :o)

Darlene said...

I have been wanting to do a series about the authors of our hymns. I have a feeling it would be quite fascinating, as this one is! It's a shame that in many churches the hymns are being "weeded out" in favor of the repetitive praise songs. We want to appeal to the "young ones", after all. I'm not saying that there are no good praise songs, but I hope you know what I mean.

Anonymous said...

Amen! All to HIM I owe! A wonderful hymn indeed :-)

mikew116 said...

That's an interesting story behind that hymn. We sang that last night in our assembly.

Petra said...

I love reading about the events/thoughts that preceded a great hymn. And that's one of the reasons I love your blog--always so full of great information! Blessings!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Thanks for sharing Gregg, Daniel has included on his concerts quite a bit of inspirational songs I know you would love.

Yvonne.

Persis said...

I like this story. Even though her mind drifted, she was still meditating on the truth.

Keena said...

how neat!!!

Robin said...

I will remember this each and every time I hear this song! Thank you Gregg.