Imagine a time when hymnals contained only lyrics, leaving singers to rely on memory for melodies, leading to musical chaos in congregations. Despite these challenges, hymnals served as treasure troves of spiritual expression. In this episode, we’ll delve into key moments in hymnody history, from James White’s hymnal for believers eagerly awaiting Christ’s return to…
Author: Irene Bennett
Mary Dana’s hymn “I’m a Pilgrim” encapsulates the timeless theme of the spiritual journey towards a heavenly destination. Through its poignant lyrics, Dana utilizes various literary devices and biblical references to convey the pilgrim’s yearning for a celestial home. Let’s delve into a stanza-by-stanza analysis of this spiritually rich hymn. Stanza 1 “I’m a pilgrim,…
Mary Dana-Shindler, the author of Adventist-beloved hymn “I’m a Pilgrim” wrote countless of inspiring poetry inspite of the tragedies she went through. How was she able to do this? Join us as we explore the inspiration she gleaned from her experience and how we too can apply these things in our life today! Episode 1:…
Few hymns evoke such immediate devotion and raw emotion as “Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” Its poignant lyrics, resonating with both vulnerability and unwavering faith, have resonated across centuries and continents. But the journey of this beloved hymn, much like the pilgrimage it describes, is a fascinating story of personal struggles, divine inspiration, and…
The name Adventist was born out of the belief that Christ is coming soon, literally. Hence, it is not really a surprise when Seventh-day Adventists sing hymns that feature just that. However, this belief is not privy to Adventists alone. Many other denominations believed it and sang it. And in the case of Presbyterian minister,…
Have you ever encountered a hymn that, beneath its familiar surface, holds a treasure trove of theological intrigue? That’s the case with “Christ the Lord, All Power Possessing,” (SDAH 415) a Seventh-day Adventist hymn that transcends mere praise and becomes a journey through pivotal moments in Jesus’ ministry, all united by the evocative phrase “on…
Gallery Charlestown Female Seminary BIRTH & DEATH b: 16 March 1828; West Wilton, New Hampshired: 26 July 1855; West Wilton, New Hampshire EDUCATION Charlestown Female Seminary (CFS) in Massachusetts, which offered studies in English, art, music, and languages. Although she planned to become a teacher of French and painting, the onset of an eye problem in 1850,…
DATELINE: Rochester, New York, 1853: It is 2:00 in the morning, and a young man, working by the light of a simple oil lamp, is daubing ink on an inking board. When the right amount of ink is evenly applied by a roller to a heavy tray of type, the wooden tray or galley is…
There was someone else whom Annie loved: the handsome young preacher, John Nevins Andrews. John lived in Rochester during the time Annie was there. They were about the same age, and both were bright and intellectually ambitious. There are indications that Annie had high hopes for her future with John, but he disappointed her, turning…
Let none this humble work assail,Its failings to expose to view,Which sprung within Misfortune’s valeAnd ‘neath the dews of Sorrow grew. Thus does Annie Rebekah Smith, the early Adventist hymnist, beg indulgent tolerance of the little book of poems she completed on her deathbed in 1855. Her wishes will be honored here in favor of…