Hymn Notes
Weekly Hymn Notes
Learn about the origin of hymns, lyrics, and melodies, and other music that will be used during Sunday worship service. Contact Don De Bruin, Director of Music Ministries for more information at 608.233.9751.
Hymn Notes for January 17, 2021
From The New Century Hymnal Companion, Copyright 1998, The Pilgrim Press.
#576 For the Healing of the Nations
Frederik Herman Kaan (b. 1929) wrote this text in 1965 for a Human Rights Day service at Pilgrim Church, Plymouth, England, where he was serving as pastor. His most widely sung hymn, it was also used at the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations.
Henry Purcell is believed to have been born in London, England, in 1659. He died at Dean’s Yard, Westminster, London, on November 21, 1695. Purcell had been organist at Westminster Abbey since 1679 and gained a reputation as one of England’s greatest composers.
#593 Lift Every Voice and Sing
James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) earned two degrees at Atlanta University and became a public-school teacher and principal in Jacksonville, Florida. He wrote this text for a celebration commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12, 1921, and it was performed by schoolchildren.
James Weldon Johnson, a multitalented poet, lawyer, and diplomat, served as the first national executive secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and this anthem became that organization’s official song. Johnson also founded the first African American newspaper, the Daily American.
John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954) composed this tune, called LIFT EVERY VOICE, for his brother’s text. He collected and published a number of important collections of African American songs and hymn tunes in addition to performing on the stage, composing, and directing musicals.
J. Rosamond Johnson was educated at the New England Conservatory of Music and studied further in Europe. From 1896 until 1908, he served as supervisor of music for the public school system of Jacksonville, Florida. Collecting African American music was his lifelong pursuit.
Hymns by Title
Hymns by Date
Service Date | |
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January 17, 2021 | |
January 10, 2021 | |
January 3, 2021 | |
December 27, 2020 | |
December 24, 2020 | |
December 20, 2020 | |
December 13, 2020 | |
December 6, 2020 | |
November 29, 2020 | |
November 22, 2020 | |
November 15, 2020 | |
November 8, 2020 | |
November 1, 2020 | |
October 25, 2020 | |
October 18, 2020 | |
October 11, 2020 | |
October 4, 2020 | |
September 27, 2020 | |
September 20, 2020 | |
September 13, 2020 | |
September 6, 2020 | |
August 30, 2020 | |
August 23, 2020 | |
August 16, 2020 | |
August 9, 2020 | |
August 2, 2020 | |
July 26, 2020 | |
July 19, 2020 | |
July 12, 2020 | |
July 5, 2020 | |
June 28, 2020 | |
June 21, 2020 | |
June 14, 2020 | |
June 7, 2020 | Hymn #570: We Shall Overcome |
May 31, 2020 | |
May 24, 2020 | |
May 17, 2020 | |
May 10, 2020 | |
May 3, 2020 | |
April 26, 2020 | |
April 19, 2020 | |
April 12, 2020 | |
April 9, 2020 | |
April 5, 2020 | |
March 29, 2020 | |
March 22, 2020 | |
March 15, 2020 | |
March 8, 2020 | |
March 1, 2020 | |
February 26, 2020 | |
February 23, 2020 | |
February 16, 2020 |