When the COVID-19 pandemic moved worship out of sanctuaries, I drew on some of my favorite hymns and gospel songs, sharing a video performance of a hymn each Sunday morning. The videos are collected here, beginning with the most recent. I hope you enjoy these recordings that draw on a few of my favorite pages in the hymnal.
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Come Ye Thankful People Come
Originally published under the title, 'After Harvest', this hymn was written by Henry Alford while he was rector of Aston Sandford church in Buckinghamshire, England. After gaining popularity in the United States, 'Come, Ye Thankful People, Come' became associated with Thanksgiving celebrations. -
My Hope Is Built
Using the biblical metaphor of Christ as the rock, as in the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Edward Mote penned this hymn in 1834. It was published anonymously until 1837, when it was first attributed to Mote. The hymn text is included, so please add your voice and sing along. -
He Leadeth Me
Captivated by the words, "He leadeth me," in the 23rd Psalm, Joseph Gilmore penned this hymn text in 1862. Upon reading the text, William B. Bradbury composed the tune and arranged the stanza/refrain structure. The text is included, so please add your voice and sing along. -
In the Sweet By and By
Sanford Fillmore Bennett penned this hymn when his friend Joseph Webster was in a period of depression. Upon reading the words, according to Bennett's autobiography, Webster's eyes kindled, and he began writing the melody. I pray In the Sweet By and By will make your eyes kindle as well. The text is included, so please add your voice and sing along. -
Be Still My Soul
Little is known of the writer of this hymn, although the Finlandia hymn tune is well known from Jean Sibelius's tone poem of the same name. The lyrics of lament and hope are included, so add your voice and sing along. -
Higher Ground
The writer of more than three thousand hymns, Johnson Oatman, Jr., penned this gospel song in 1892. The lyrics are included, so please add your voice and sing along. -
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Drawing its title from the Book of Lamentations, Great Is Thy Faithfulness has been popular since its first publication in 1923. The text is included, so you can add your voice to this beloved hymn. -
Be Thou My Vision
Based on a Middle Irish poem, this popular hymn appears in more than 140 hymnals. The best known English translation was completed by Eleanor Hull in 1912. The text is included, and I invite you to sing along. -
My Faith Looks Up to Thee
A hymn for Sunday morning by Congregational pastor Ray Palmer, considered by some to be America's best 19th century hymn writer. The hymn text is included so you can add your voice and sing along. -
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
A hymn for Sunday morning, first published in 1882 and born out of tragedy in the life of English missionary Louisa M. R. Stead. The text is included, so add your voice and sing along. -
Theyll Know We Are Christians
I recorded this for virtual camps this summer, but I share it here for a Sunday morning singing. Wherever you are, indoors or outdoors, in a sanctuary, at home, in a tent, in a cabin, or around a fire, please lift your voice and sing along. -
How Firm a Foundation
A hymn for Sunday morning, first published in 1787 by John Rippon and attributed only to 'K,' which is thought to refer to Robert Keene, a precentor at Rippon's church. The text for all five verses is included, so lift your voice and sing along.