Hymn Blog - January 24, 2010

January 24, 2010

VU 312 – Praise with Joy the World’s Creator. This hymn text, by the Iona Community, is strongly trinitarian, but calls us to a fresh insight of the Godhead, stressing themes of justice and liberty. The tune, LAUDA ANIMA, or PRAISE MY SOUL, was written for the text “Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven” by Sir John Goss in 1868. Goss was organist at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

VU 605 – Jesus, Teacher, Brave and Bold. Long time Canadian collaborators Walter Farquharson and Ron Klusmeier worked on this song at a hymn writing workshop held at the Prairie Christian Training Centre (now Calling Lakes Centre) in 1972. It was one of their first collaborations. It was included in Songs for a Gospel People, 1987. Farquharson, former moderator of the United Church (1990-92), lives in Saltcoats, Saskatchewan where he was settled in 1961 and served in pastoral ministry until his retirement. He is the author of hundreds of hymns, of which 13 appear in Voices United and 2 in More Voices. Klusmeier, who serves the congregation of Knox United Church in Parksville, British Columbia as Minister of Music, has 17 of his tunes in Voices United and 10 in More Voices.

MV 24 – Breath of God, Breath of Peace. Emerging hymn poet Adam Tice is Associate Pastor of Hyattsville Mennonite Church in Hyattsville, MD. He has led singing at numerous Mennonite and ecumenical events, including the 2008 Hymn Sing for Peace on the steps of the U.S. Capitol reflecting pool. He serves on the board of the Anabaptist Peace Center of Washington, DC. Since 2007 he has served as Member-at-Large on the Executive of the Hymn Society. His Hymn Collection “Woven Into Harmony”, published by GIA Publications, includes 50 original texts, set to traditional and newly-composed tunes. The setting, entitled EMMANUEL COLLEGE, was composed for this text by Fred Graham, Assistant Professor of Church Music at Emmanuel College. He arrived at the College after completing 14 exceptional years as Music and Liturgy Officer at the General Council offices of The United Church of Canada. During his tenure there, the denomination renewed its song resources through publication of “Voices United” (1996) and its prayer resources through publication of “Celebrate God’s Presence”, both of which involved the worship office in intense ways.   He has always maintained an active role in parish music ministry, serving since 1985 in several United Church congregations in the Toronto area for periods of six months to six years. Fred has filled in as organist for us at TSP on a number of occasions.  As a travelling clinician in the areas of worship and music, Graham is well known from coast to coast in Canada’s United Church communities.

MV 142 – Oh a Song Must Rise. Author and composer Paul Svenson is a songleader, singer, composer, arranger, record producer, studio musician, trainer and motivational leader. He plays several instruments including guitar, piano, banjo, Hawaiian Steel, mandolin, & bass. He has played on over 40 albums, written and arranged hundreds of songs, and spent most of his life working in the church. He is currently the director of contemporary music at the University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in San Diego, CA.