Comments on: Earliest memories of church songs?

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:48:54 +0000

I grew up at Garnett in Tulsa and for some reason I remember a Sunday when Jerome Williams led “Everybody Will be Happy Over There.” It seemed like we sang the chorus 10 times, then Marvin got up to preach, and started singing the chorus, so Jerome got back up and we sang it 10 more times. I also remember when worship began (especially when Booker Murphy was leading) everyone would just stand up, no one had to be told it just happened.

By: Dan Jones

Dan Jones — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:46:17 +0000

I recall in 1979 singing a song with the lyrics, “thou art the potter, I am the clay” and what was funny about that was my friends name was Clay… While singing the song together, we would just look at each other with that knowing glance and smile…

By: Timothy

Timothy — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:28:09 +0000

I am just 18 but have been singing all my life. I love to lead singing whenever I can, and try to teach some newer songs but since our church is smaller it is hard for people to learn new ones. We have the same book with 728B, it is also sung here a lot! My favorite song is probably the alternate version of shelter in the time of storm, I am not even sure if there is any sheet music for the way I know it, since I learned it at bible camp. If anyone is near shelbyville TN come by central church of christ, we are just a big family anyway!

By: Ramona

Ramona — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:37:20 +0000

This Little Light of Mine at Sunday School at the closed Linwood Church of Christ in Fort Worth

By: FWG

FWG — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:26:09 +0000

“Hear the sweet voice of Jesus say, ‘Come unto me, I am the way’ terrible thought to cry, ‘too late’, Jesus I come to thee. Only a step, only a step. Come for He bled for you and died. He’s the same loving savior yet, Jesus the crucified”.

First song I remember my grandfather leading in worship when i was just a boy…love to lead it to this day.

By: Ralph Williams

Ralph Williams — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:29:41 +0000

Our family always sang; I think you know my cousin Robert Orr. My earliest memories of singing in church were when my Dad was preaching for a Black congregation in Arkansas. I clearly remember “When They Ring Those Golden Bells,” and “What a Fellowship”. I also remember singing about a fellow named “Drawme Nearer.”

By: Katherine

Katherine — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:28:42 +0000

My mom has always gone around our house singing hymns, and she has an absolutely, amazingly beautiful soprano voice. It used to drive me nuts when I was younger when she would sing in the mornings, but now I absolutely LOVE it when I am home. Trust and Obey and How Great Thou Art are some of the first ones I remember. I think my favorites now are Victory in Jesus and I’ll Fly Away.

Of course, with our national anthem, lol, 728B-that was the very first song I looked up when we switched to the Songs of Faith & Praise book way back when…23 just doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as 728B

Now living in China, it is neat to hear some of the songs like Amazing Grace (which they LOVE!), How Great Thou Art, Lily of The Valley, etc sung in Chinese while also learning new Chinese church songs…but there is nothing like hearing it and being able to sing in your native tongue! I am thankful for both, and have to admit I often miss singing in English. It is incredibly powerful!!

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:59:57 +0000

Jonathan,
Do you ever play those songs on the flute?

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:58:54 +0000

Thanks for sharing, Karen. Lanier has brought many smiles to me! Didn’t he teach Sissy Spacek guitar lessons? It’s always a treat to hear the Sounds Of Glory too. “Send the light . . .”

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:53:33 +0000

Shonda,
I’m leading the worship on the opening night of the Tulsa workshop this year (which is on Wednesday night at the Fairgrounds pavilion – - it’s the first year they’ve had Wednesday night at the Fairgrounds.) I hope a lot of churches in the Tulsa area will join us for a great time of singing before the message which has “Redeemed” in the title – so we’ll be singing that song.