Most of the hymns that we’ve loved, spent time singing, that lift us up, that we voice to the Lord, were first written as poems. For most, the music came years later. So many the authors wrote from their life history, the lessons they lived.
I began to think about this subject -- poetry to hymns -- one Sunday while sitting at a table at church. I asked others what they thought about this, and they joined in speaking on hymns that came from poetry. I was so happy to spend time with them, as this gave me an idea to go forward.
When I began my studies a few years ago, my goal was to talk about the hymnals, to have conversation and study.
There are so many hymns that were poems first. Here are just two, both written by a person for whom poetry was so much part of their life.
How Great Thou Art
In 1886, Carl Boberg was walking home from church when a storm suddenly came upon him then quickly passed and the sun shined through. Once home, he penned the poem, "O Great God." In 1953, Stuart Hine put music to the poem and created the hymn “How Great Thou Art.” The hymn was often sung by George Beverly Shea.
Psalm 86:10 – You are great and perform wonders.
Abide With Me
At the time this poem was penned by Henry Elyte, he was just a week from death. Poetry was an important part of his life. He collected a large library of poems known to be one of the largest at that time in England. He passed away in 1847 and the poem was put to music in 1869.
Luke 15:4 – Remain in me, and I in you.
Luke 24:29 – But they begged Him to stay the night with us since it is getting late, so He went home with them.
As for myself, this is a new beginning – a whole new study, one that I have very little knowledge. I just want to learn and study something new.
Roman 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God to those who are the called according for His purpose.
I started my study of the hymnal a few years ago, studying the scripture in the hymns and the authors. Who put them to music? What was their story? The hymns became so much more, scriptures came more alive. The author’s story came alive. Their life was so much about lessons, words are so meaningful, music more clear and joyful. We lift our voices in worship.
I do enjoy the time with all talking about the hymns, scriptures, music, authors and now the poems.
Psalm: 33:3 – Sing to Him a new song, play skillfully with a shout of joy.
Tom Leach lives in Whitesboro and is an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Whitesboro.