A special event celebrating the hymns will be “The Heartland Hymn Sing’’ at 7 p.m. April 30 at Pella Christian High School Vermeer Auditorium.
This is a non-denominational, non-generational, area wide event to lift voices together in praising God. We will be lead by Tom Brown and a mass community choir accompanied by Bill Pedrick.
The word hymn comes from the Greek word hymnos meaning song of praise. The history of the hymns goes back centuries. It wasn’t until the early 16th century, when the Protestant Reformation brought about much change to the church that hymns were being translated from Greek and Latin into languages of the common people, and songs were being written with familiar folk rhyme and rhythm, easy to sing and memorize.
Over the centuries the hymns of the faith have had special meaning to so many people. They are our comfort in times of discouragement. They give meaning to times of Christian celebrations. For example, the song “It Is Well With My Soul” was penned by a wealthy Chicago Lawyer, Horatio Spafford, who had a thriving legal practice, a beautiful home, and wonderful family.
The song “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” written by Edward Perronet was instrumental in saving the life of the Rev E.P. Scott a missionary living in India during the 1800’s. By the prompting of the Holy Spirit, but against the advice of many others, Scott set out by himself to bring the gospel to the remote villages.
Days into the journey, Scott was surrounded by a group of warriors. Scott quickly grabbed his violin, and with eyes closed he started singing the hymn.
After singing the first three verses and into the fourth verse, he realized he was still standing. Opening his eyes, he found the mighty warriors still standing with spears lowered and tears in their eyes.
Today the hymns of the faith remain strong. Each generation will continue to write beloved hymns, choruses, and praise songs.
Charles R. Swindell writes, “If you love preaching, there is no substitute for the Bible. If you love singing, there is no substitute for the hymnal.”