Category Archives: Song History

Revive us Again, the Song and the Story Composer William Paton Mackay Writes Revive us Again William Paton Mackay (1839-1885) originally worked in Scotland as a medical doctor. He resigned that position to become an ordained Presbyterian minister of the … Continue reading →

Story behind the song – Fairest Lord Jesus The Silesian Folk Song, Fairest Lord Jesus, has an Unknown Author The hymn Fairest Lord Jesus has a somewhat elusive history. It is thought to have originated as early as 1607, possibly … Continue reading →

Jesus Paid it All, the Song and the Story Lyrics Elvina Hall, Music John T. Grape Writes Jesus Paid it All The words to the song Jesus Paid It All were written by Elvina Hall (1822-1889) in 1865. Elvina was … Continue reading →

Be Thou My Vision, the Song and the Story Composer Dallan Forgaill writes BeThou My Vision St. Patrick (385-461 AD) was a man zealous for the things of God.As a missionary, he defied an Irish King’s edict that restricted the … Continue reading →

Marys Boy Child, the Song and the Story Composer Jester Hairston Writes Marys Boy Child Jester Hairston (1901-2000) was an American composer, songwriter, arranger, choral conductor and actor. The grandson of American slaves, Jester dedicated his life to preserving Negro … Continue reading →

Brighten the Corner Where You Are, the Song and the Story Composer Ira D. Ogden Writes Brighten the Corner Where You Are Ira D. Ogdon (1872-1964) was a public school teacher who had plans for an evangelistic career. She abandoned … Continue reading →

All Creatures of Our God and King, the Song and the Story Composer St. Francis of Assisi Writes All Creatures of Our God and King St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) is one of Christendom’s most beloved historical figures. He is … Continue reading →

Story behind the song – Crown Him with Many Crowns Composers Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring Write Crown Him with Many Crowns In the 1800s there was great tension between the Catholic and Anglican churches (see: History of Hymns).Crown Him … Continue reading →

Id Rather Have Jesus, the Song and the Story Composer Rhea F. Miller, Music George Beverly Shea Result in Id Rather Have Jesus In 1922,a woman named Rhea F. Miller wrote a poem. In 1932, a copy of that poem … Continue reading →