Hymn Stories of the Twentieth CenturyHart, William J. (William John)
Religion
Hymn Stories of the Twentieth Century
Hart, William J. (William John)
Hymns, English -- History and criticism
“The heavens declare Thy glory, Lord,
In every star Thy wisdom shines;
But when our eyes behold Thy Word,
We read Thy Name in fairer lines.”
This hymn of Isaac Watts was sung to the tune of Uxbridge.
“Such singing I never heard before or since,” said Dr. Reeve, as he
recalled the event several years later. Then he explained: “In not many
cities could this have taken place. But in Philadelphia, where so many
of these men had been brought up in Covenanter and United Presbyterian
churches, they knew the great hymn. The thrills ran up and down my back,
and many times since in giving out the hymn I have mentioned the
incident, and shall always remember Captain J. C. Reith with honor.”
“We Love the Place”
“WE RETURN HOME!” was the announcement which appeared in some of the
London papers in March, 1946. This was followed by the statement that on
Saturday evening, March 9, at 6:30, there would be an act of
“thanksgiving in song.” This was a call to the congregation of Central
Hall, Westminster, London, who had been dispossessed of the use of their
building for the use of the United Nations’ Conference.
The spacious Hall, the center of extensive social and evangelistic work,
was the place considered to be most suitable for the gathering. Hence it
was a strange sight to see statesmen from many lands assemble day after
day in the place where the people were accustomed to hear the minister,
the Rev. Dr. W. E. Sangster, proclaim the message of life everlasting to
large congregations.
“We have been on a strange pilgrimage,” remarked Dr. Sangster, as he
faced his re-united people in their own place of worship. During the
previous four months they had conducted their Sunday services in two
different theatres, and also the Carlton Hotel, all of which had
extended hospitality. Naturally, extensive preparations were made for
the joyful occasion. The great Wiseman Choir, composed of singers from
many religious centers in London, and organized in memory of the beloved
musician and preacher, Dr. F. Luke Wiseman, sang; and Dr. George F.
Brockless was the leader of the singing company.
“The choir obviously enjoyed themselves,” said a reporter. Famous
musicians participated; and outstanding musical selections were
rendered, including the majestic “Hallelujah Chorus.”
Everybody wanted to sing on this happy occasion. The hymns needed to be
selected with particular care. Beautifully appropriate, therefore, was
the first hymn of the program:
“We love the place, O God,
Wherein Thine honor dwells;
The joy of Thine abode
All earthly joy excels.
“It is the house of prayer,
Wherein Thy servants meet;
And Thou, O Lord, art there,
Thy chosen flock to greet.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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