The first settlers in Avon, Illinois, arrived in 1835. In just twenty years, the area grew enough to have a post office, changed its name twice, saw the building of a branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) and formed several churches. Among those fellowships were a Universalist Church and a Congregational Church. … Continue reading 1912 M.P. Moller, Avon Federated Church, Avon, Illinois
Philip Bliss, who wrote both the text and tune for this hymn, and his 19th century contemporary, Ira Sankey, are credited with founding the gospel song movement. Both were part of the Dwight L. Moody evangelistic team, and both sang, led crusade singing, and authored many gospel songs. Bliss was inspired to write this hymn … Continue reading Let the Lower Lights Be Burning
Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876) was one of the five children born to John and Lydia Bliss. Their log home, typical of the early settlers of northern Pennsylvania, was filled with love and Christian teaching, but formal education was scarce. Early in life, Philip developed a passion for learning and for music, and took advantage of … Continue reading The Light of the World Is Jesus
In 1923, Thomas O. Chisholm wrote a poem about God's faithfulness to us, based on the scripture found in Lamentations 3:22-23. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Unlike many hymns that are inspired by a specific event, … Continue reading Great Is Thy Faithfulness
There are things in my life that remind me of the people in my life. It could be a recipe, a style of shoes, a particular color, most anything really. Often, it is a song. In some of the churches I have served, the pastor selects the hymns to be sung by the congregation. Pastors, … Continue reading Called As Partners in Christ’s Service
In Psalm 34:1, David proclaims, " I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." (NIV) To praise God morning, noon and night, and by everyone, everywhere, is exactly what the author of When Morning Gilds the Skies had in mind. The original German text of fourteen stanzas first … Continue reading When Morning Gilds the Skies
Talk of recycling or repurposing often includes tires, newspapers, pallets, books (shudder!), cooking oil and plastic bottles. What does that have to do with music? Of all man-made things, music is surely towards the top of the list of things that have been recycled. A few notes, a phrase, a theme or entire song may show … Continue reading Agnus Dei (Georges Bizet)
Have you ever had one of those seasons when it seems everything you touch crumbles and everything you try to do fails? Me, too. Have you had the kind of tragedy in your life that took your breath away, shook you to your core and you couldn't imagine how to go on? I have, and if … Continue reading Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Imagine what the keyboard of a piano looks like. Whether an upright or grand, a piano has one set of keys. Now imagine what an organ looks like. Most people visualize multiple rows of keys (called manuals) which are played by the hands, and one big set of keys on the floor (called pedals) which are … Continue reading Trumpet Voluntary, by Henry Heron
As a church musician, I've heard the complaint that the songs of Advent don't seem as joyful as Christmas songs. I'll agree that some of them can feel a little heavy. After all, Advent is a time of reflection and preparation, and reflections and preparations don't always come easily or lightly. Then along comes People, … Continue reading People, Look East
