Everything

John Newton (1725–1807), once a slave trader turned evangelical minister, is best known as the author of Amazing Grace. Deeply influenced by his devout mother, Newton’s dramatic conversion during a storm at sea led to his ordination in the Church of England and his active role in the abolition movement. As a preacher, hymn writer…

Amazing Grace has gone on to become one of the most powerful songs in the world and a favorite hymn for many because it offers up a universal message of hope and redemption. Some people argue that part of the huge appeal of the hymn is the incredible backstory that brought it to life. John…

This inspiring hymn was written by a wealthy business man and musician who realized that God was all the world to Him. In turn, he dedicated his life to writing only sacred music. As a result, his hymns, particularly Softly and Tenderly, ministered to thousands of people. Even the famous evangelist Dwight Moody wished at…

Will L. Thompson (1847–1909), composer of Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling, was a successful songwriter and music publisher whose early secular hits brought him wealth. Feeling called to dedicate his talent to the Lord, he turned to sacred music, founding one of America’s most prominent gospel publishing houses. A generous philanthropist and devout Christian,…

Growing up as a kid in an Adventist home, I usually have memories of hymns being sung in family worships. This hymn is not usually sung at home tho, but I have faint recollections of it being usually sung in evangelistic meetings, especially after the preacher has made an appeal for baptism. It is not…

My mother died from cancer less than 3 months ago. However, due to certain COVID protocols, we were only able to hold a proper wake and funeral 50 days after. This waiting time allowed my brother and I to plan, coordinate and practice the music for my mom’s funeral. Choosing the music was done carefully…

For this edition of Singer’s Notes, we had the opportunity of interviewing Myrtle Mosquera or Tims (as she is fondly called by family and friends). She is our featured artist for In the Bleak Midwinter. Watch her rendition of Brenda Portman’s arrangement of this timeless hymn, and then join us as Tims shares her views…

One would be hard put to find a hymn as well-known and loved in these past two centuries than Amazing Grace.Originally written by John Newton–a slave trader turned preacher and abolitionist–it became prominent in the second great religious awakening, accompanying many sermons. It so aptly captured the “dangers, toils, and snares” that was the experience…

For this edition of Singer’s Notes, we had the opportunity of interviewing Winner. Watch his rendition of Craig Courtney’s arrangement of this timeless hymn, and then join us as Winner shares his experiences in using music as a tool for evangelism. Hi Winner, thanks so much for collaborating with Hymns for Worship! We are really…

I love discovering new and fresh arrangements of familiar hymns, especially ones that are musical and really creative. Amazing Grace is one of those well-beloved hymns that have a special place in my heart. What a powerful message it carries! To learn the backstory of this hymn you can watch this short video, or if…

This month, we’ve had the opportunity to look a bit closer at the hymn, How Firm a Foundation. I don’t exactly remember when I heard this hymn for the first time, but I do recall being attracted to its simple musical style that truly evoked the 19th century American folk hymn tradition. From its humble…

“The great architect Frank Lloyd Wright was given the challenge of building the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, one of the most earthquake-prone cities in the world. Wright’s investigation showed that a solid foundation could be “floated” on a sixty-foot layer of soft mud underlying the hotel, which would provide a shock-absorbing but solid support for…