Author Topic: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers (Read 98076 times)

Mimi · « **Reply #40 on:** June 12, 2012, 12:06:53 PM »

Beautiful! Yet another I do not know. To the hymnal I go! Thank you, Elder Thurber!

Carla Hepker · « **Reply #41 on:** June 12, 2012, 04:03:13 PM »

It is interesting to see the words to this song in English. I know it very well, in Spanish!

LindaRS · « **Reply #42 on:** June 12, 2012, 05:08:16 PM »

Quote from: Sybil on June 12, 2012, 12:06:53 PM

Beautiful! Yet another I do not know. To the hymnal I go! Thank you, Elder Thurber!

I'm kind of surprised you don't know this one, Sybil. I can't remember when I didn't know it. We've always sung it in church. Interesting. But if you were never in a church that sang it, then, no, you wouldn't know it. But you soon will.

Mimi · « **Reply #43 on:** June 12, 2012, 05:27:01 PM »

You reminded me I needed to go to the hymnal. Yes, I know that song. As a musician reading, playing and concentrating on the music, I know it better than the words. The words threw me. I need to go back to those other songs to see if the same thing is happening.

Mimi · « **Reply #44 on:** June 12, 2012, 05:38:29 PM »

Quote from: Sybil on June 12, 2012, 12:06:53 PM

Beautiful! Yet another I do not know. To the hymnal I go! Thank you, Elder Thurber!

Correction: I do know this one! I WILL SING OF JESUS’ LOVE. Saw the music, know the song!

Dorine · « **Reply #45 on:** June 13, 2012, 03:18:45 AM »

I lost my singing voice about 10 years ago. I miss it so much. I sang for weddings, church dedications, funerals and special occasions through the years. I lost power and my voice started cracking when ever I changed registers and has continued to get worse. I do not have the 'warble' that women often get as we age but I can not trust what my voice may do. When I do sing my throat often pains. Once it cracks it goes completely off key. It's heart breaking. Any ideas on correcting a cracking voice?

So as I'm reading these beautiful hymns I long to sing them out loud but can only sing them silently in my head.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #46 on:** June 13, 2012, 07:42:33 AM »

WE KNOW NOT THE HOUR

“But of that day and hour no one knows, no not even the angels of heaven, but the Father only.” Matthew 24:36
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:42

F. E. Belden F. E. Belden

1. We know not the hour of the Master’s appearing;
yet signs all for that the moment is nearing
When He shall return ’tis a promise most cheering
But we know not the hour.

2. There’s light for the wise who are seeking salvation
There’s truth in the book of the Lord’s revelation;
Each prophecy points to the great consummation
But we know not the hour.

3. We’ll watch and we’ll pray, with our lamps trimmed and burning
We’ll work and we’ll wait till the Masters returning;
We’ll sing and rejoice, every omen discerning
But we know not the hour.
Refrain
He will come, let us watch and be read-y
He will come, hallelujah! Hallelujah!
He will come, in the clouds of His Father’s bright glory
But we know not the hour.

This was one of H. M. S. R’s favorite songs. He sang it with fervor. It speaks of the imminence of His soon return. Christ has come for him and others who died in the hope of His soon return. This hymn is found in the
S. D. A. Church Hymnal No. 604 - John Thurber 2012

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #47 on:** June 14, 2012, 05:56:42 AM »

THERE’S NO OTHER NAME LIKE JESUS

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12

F. E. Belden F. E. Belden

1. There’s no other name like Jesus, tis the dearest name I know,
Tis the angel’s joy in heaven, Tis the Christian’s joy below.

2. There’s no other name like Jesus When the heart with grief is sad,
There’s no other name like Jesus When the heart is free and glad.

3. ‘Tis the hope that I shall see Him When in glory He appears.
‘Tis the hope to hear His welcome that my fainting spirit cheers.

4. If He wills that I should labor In His vineyard day by day,
Then ‘tis well if only Jesus Blesses all I do and say.

5. If he wills that death’s cold finger Touch my feeble mortal clay,
Then ’tis well if only Jesus Is my dying trust and stay.

Refrain

Sweet name, dear name, There’s no other name like Jesus
Sweet name, dear name, There’s no other name like Jesus.

Therefore God also has exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 Church Hymnal No. 253
John Thurber 2012

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #48 on:** June 15, 2012, 06:48:55 AM »

JOY BY AND BY

“Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:5,6

F. E. Belden F. E. Belden

1. O there’ll be joy when the work is done,
Joy when the reapers gather home,
Bringing the sheaves at set of sun
To the New Jerusalem.

2. Sweet are the songs that we hope to sing,
Grateful the thanks our hearts shall bring,
Praising for ever Christ our King
In the New Jerusalem.

3. Pure are the joys that await us there,
Many the golden mansions fair;
Jesus Himself doth them prepare,
In the New Jerusalem.
Refrain
Joy, joy, there’ll be joy by and by,
Joy, joy, where joys never die;
Joy, joy, for the day draweth nigh
When the workers gather home.

F. E. Belden was the nephew of Ellen White. She inspired many poems he wrote for the Church. The old King’s Heralds Sang this at many camp meetings through the years. S.D.A. Church Hymnal No.430
John Thurber 2012

Mimi · « **Reply #49 on:** June 15, 2012, 06:55:49 AM »

And it is an old favorite, too! Thank you Elder Thurber!

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #50 on:** June 17, 2012, 08:58:56 AM »

Franklin Edson Belden
   Was by far the most prolific Adventist hymn writer of the 19th century. Born in 1858 - Died 1945. He was the first born of five children born to Ellen White’s oldest sister Sarah and her husband Stephen Belden, In Battle Creek ,Michigan.
   To give some idea just how talented Belden was he could write a new song within an hour, while the preacher was reading the morning scripture, he would then slip out and write a new hymn based on the text which he and his new wife, Harriet MacDearmon ‘a very fine singer’ would stand and sing. After the service he would give a copy to the preacher.
   Frank was already writing hymns by the time he was in his early twenties. He wrote several hundred hymns during his lifetime.
   In 1888 Frank Belden went to the General Conference session in Minneapolis. Unfortunately, he did not accept righteousness by faith there. Ellen White in Australia, wrote to her nephew to plead with him to accept and believe the doctrine of Righteousness by Faith. Once she wrote a 15 page letter to work on his Christian experience. It seem like he was making progress, but he soon slipped back.
   While actively writing for the church, he compiled and assisted with others in the following hymnbooks: Hymns and Tunes 1886 - Joyful Greeting for the Sabbath School 1868 - Songs of Freedom 1891 - and Gospel Song Sheaf 1894. Probably the most popular hymnbook ever used in the SDA Church was his “Christ In Song” Book published in 1900 - revised and enlarged in 1908. A whole generation of Adventist used and loved this book of hymns.
   Belden separated from the church in 1907, he felt that the Review and Herald was not giving him his just royalties for his songs. Near the end of his work on Christ in Song, Belden had begun writing songs for the noted evangelist Billy Sunday, which were included in Songs for the King's Business. Even though it was published in 1909 by Sunday School Supply House in Chicago, it was advertised in the Review and Herald and available through the RHPA. Is it possible for religion to became a habit - where we know all the right answers to all the questions - but that is as deep as it goes?
   Belden in the year of his death (1945) had a meeting with ministers Kenneth H. Wood and Carlyle B. Haynes. They came hoping to pray with him and encourage him, but he refused. Only God knows the heart. It is my prayer to see him in heaven.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #51 on:** June 17, 2012, 12:41:18 PM »

Quote from: John Thurber on June 13, 2012, 07:42:33 AM

WE KNOW NOT THE HOUR

“But of that day and hour no one knows, no not even the angels of heaven, but the Father only.” Matthew 24:36
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:42

F. E. Belden F. E. Belden

1. We know not the hour of the Master’s appearing;
yet signs all fortell that the moment is nearing
When He shall return ’tis a promise most cheering
But we know not the hour.

2. There’s light for the wise who are seeking salvation
There’s truth in the book of the Lord’s revelation;
Each prophecy points to the great consummation
But we know not the hour.

3. We’ll watch and we’ll pray, with our lamps trimmed and burning
We’ll work and we’ll wait till the Masters returning;
We’ll sing and rejoice, every omen discerning
But we know not the hour.
Refrain
He will come, let us watch and be read-y
He will come, hallelujah! Hallelujah!
He will come, in the clouds of His Father’s bright glory
But we know not the hour.

This was one of H. M. S. R’s favorite songs. He sang it with fervor. It speaks of the imminence of His soon return. Christ has come for him and others who died in the hope of His soon return. This hymn is found in the
S. D. A. Church Hymnal No. 604 - John Thurber 2012

So many Seventh-day Adventist hymns!! I never stopped to think about it until now. This is one of my favorites also. Our daughter heard it many times while in the womb. We know not the hour, yet signs all fortell that the moment is nearing!! Amen!!

Dora · « **Reply #52 on:** June 18, 2012, 12:57:43 PM »

Love this song! Elizabeth has been encouraging the church to sing more of the old pioneer hymns, but most of the song leaders do not know them. She is going to try to get them together after fellowship meal and go over some of them. The last time I had opening exercises for SS, (in May) we presented Belden's hymns. The next time it will be Annie and Uriah Smith's, with a brief biography.

Elder John Thurber · « **Reply #53 on:** June 18, 2012, 01:01:41 PM »

Yes brother Richard, It is used very often in homes and churches.
Now we are moving on to the next hymn writer from the church.
OVER YONDER

“And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Henry de Fluiter Henry de Fluiter

1. Come, let us sing of homeland, Down by the crystal sea;
Wonderful land where Jesus Buildeth a mansion for me.

2. Water of life there floweth, Fruit in abundant store;
Citizens of that country Hunger and thirst nevermore.

3. Come go with me to homeland, Jesus invites you there;
Help spread the invitation, Tell it to men everywhere.
Refrain
Over yonder, down by the crystal sea,
Over yonder, There’s where I long to be,
No more sorrow, toil, grief, nor care,
In the homeland bright and fair, Over, Over there.

He wrote a 4th stanza and it was not published in our Hymnal, and it is beautiful also.

4. There is a wondrous city, Streets of transparent gold;
Not half its glorious beauty Has e’er to mortals been told.

Most of the songs Henry De Fluiter wrote are replete with scripture nearly every line revealing his reading and study of God‘s Word. The first time I met Uncle Henry (as the King’s Heralds called him) was in 1961, we were recording for the broadcast in the studio. He lived on the street right behind the VOP. He was 96 years old, and was near blind. He would back his car out on the street and would drive at the curb hitting it with his tire, and would make three turns to the right until he came to the VOP building. He came in the side door and was holding up a new song he had written for the Quartet. He was a delightful, loving man. This Hymn is 431 in the Church Hymnal. - John Thurber 2012

Mimi · « **Reply #54 on:** June 18, 2012, 01:38:40 PM »

I love this song! I especially remember hearing Mother's voice singing it on Sabbath afternoons at MV. Oh what wonderful meetings those were. If ever there was a point in time I would love to relive, it would be the times spent in those meetings where the song service was as long, sometimes longer, than the afternoon talk to close the Sabbath. Singing with the saints! What precious memories!

LindaRS · « **Reply #55 on:** June 18, 2012, 08:04:22 PM »

I, too, learned this song by listening to my mother sing it.

Mimi · « **Reply #56 on:** June 18, 2012, 08:13:04 PM »

It is an incredible memory, isn't it, our mothers and music? And that little song you gave me, "Somebody Prayed," Mother, my daughter and I always sang it as a trio. Wherever we were, no matter what we were doing, out of the blue, Mother would hum and hold the first note and that was our cue that the song was to begin. We would fall into line and sing it, sing it, sing it! What love, what memories.

Mimi · « **Reply #57 on:** June 19, 2012, 02:55:00 PM »

From Elder Thurber:

HAIL HIM THE KING OF GLORY

And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:16

Henry de Fluiter Henry de Fluiter

1. Tell it to every kindred and nation,
Tell it far and near;
Earth's darkest night will fade with the dawning,
Jesus will soon appear.

2. Nation again in strife and commotion,
Warnings by the way;
Signs in the heavens unerring omens,
Herald the glorious day.

3. Children of God look up with rejoicing;
Shout and sing His praise;
Blessed are they who, waiting and watching,
Look for the dawning rays.

Refrain

Hail Him the king of glory.
Once the Lamb for sinners slain;
Tell, tell the wondrous story,
Jesus comes to reign.

This is a martial hymn written and composed by Henry de Fluiter. They offer a remarkable contrast to the dark days of the Allied setbacks and retreats of World War 1, especially when viewed in the context of the glorious day when the Prince of Peace shall put an end to war and take His rightful place as King of glory. He read about the Seventh-Day Adventist faith in books from a colporteur, and hurried to tell his parents about his new found faith, only to find that they too, in an other city, had bought books and read their way into the same church! S.D.A. Hymnal No. 202

John Thurber 2012

Mimi · « **Reply #58 on:** June 20, 2012, 08:37:53 AM »

From Elder Thurber:

LIKE JESUS

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." 1John 3:2

Harold A. Miller

1. Teach me Father, what to say; Teach me Father how to pray;
Teach me all along the way How to be like Jesus

2. Teach me as the days go by, Teach me not to rea-son why,
Teach me that to do or die, Is to be like Jesus.

3. Teach me that the time is short, Teach me how to live and work,
Teach me that to never shirk Is to be like Jesus.

4. Teach me how we may be one, Like the Father and the Son;
And when all is overcome , I will be like Jesus.

Refrain

I would be like Jesus, I would be like Jesus!
Help me Lord to daily grow More and more like Jesus!

The key to verse 4 is found in John 17:21 "That they all may be one; as thou Farther, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou has sent me."

Harold A. Miller was my first voice teacher at Southern Missionary college in 1950. I remember my first lesson, His door was closed and I could hear him playing the piano, so I knocked on the door, and he said come in, so I entered to see him composing a new song. What a experience for me, he played it for me, and I thought what a gift God has given him. He stood up and put his hand on my shoulder and prayed for me as a father would for his son. I found out he always prayed for every student to give our voice and talent to Jesus and give Him the glory and praise. Over 200 hundred of his hymns and songs were published to the Glory of God. S.D.A. Hymnal 492

John Thurber 2012

Mimi · « **Reply #59 on:** June 21, 2012, 12:40:11 PM »

From Elder Thurber:

WELCOME, DAY OF SWEET REPOSE

The forth commandment "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy." Exodus 20:8
I. H. Evans, J. A. Steinel

1. Welcome day of sweet repose! Blessed be thy sacred hours!
We would trust the one who knows All our weak and failing powers!

2. Welcome day in Eden born! Holy rest for sinless man!
Like the dawning of fair morn Come thy hours to us again.

3. Welcome, day blessed by our Lord! Toil shall cease and anxious care.
Day commanded by His word, Day of song and praise and prayer.

4. Welcome day our Savior kept! Keeping wrought our righteousness,
Day God bids us ne'er forget, Day of days His name to bless.

Elder Evans was born in 1862 in Michigan, baptized at the age of 12. He later attended Battle Creek College. Ordained to the ministry, 1882 and five years later he was appointed president of the Michigan conference. He also served as manager of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1901 - 1904 Treasurer of the General conference of Seventh-Day Adventists. 1903-1909. Other positions was from 1936-1941 president of Asiatic Division, North American Division, Far Eastern Division. Evans was head of the Ministerial Association, Simultaneous to that position, he was General Conference vice-president and field secretary. when He retired. He was chairman of the committee appointed to prepare the the 1941 Church Hymnal. He died at Takoma Park, Washington, D. C.

The music written for this Hymn is by Irving Arthur Steinel who also was a Seventh-Day Adventist. A church organist who taught many years in California. He served six years as a missionary in the Philippines, and was the first organist for the Voice Of Prophecy. Hymn No. 380

- John Thurber 2012