December 7, 2012 (Friday)
When I was pastor in Kosse, Texas, I conducted many funerals, not only for local people, but also for many who had been raised there but died in places to which they had moved. In addition to conducting funerals, I also sang at many of them. The song most requested in those days was, “Pearly White City,” a beautiful and meaningful song about Heaven.
In Rockport the song most requested was “The Lord’s Prayer.” Over the years, I sang it at many weddings and funerals, and rarely, at regular worship services of the church. In fact, I was asked to sing it at a funeral only a couple of weeks ago, but a conflict of schedules prevented my doing so. I have sung it with organ, piano or electronic keyboard accompaniment often. I have sometimes sung it without an instrument. The church accompanists kept copies of the music in my key in their benches. It was universal in its appeal, being appropriate for both the saddest and the happiest occasions.
Thinking of it brings back many memories. Perhaps the one that is most vivid for me was the memorial service for Walter Knight, who pastored the church in Rockport for more than nine years. He conducted a funeral service at which I was asked to sing, “The Lord’s Prayer.” After I sang, I sat down beside him on the platform. He leaned over to me and whispered, “I have heart trouble. When I die, I want you to sing that at my funeral.” I agreed, breathing a silent prayer that it would never happen. When the time came in January, 2008, I related that incident to the congregation and sang, “The Lord’s Prayer.” I consider that one of the greatest privileges I’ve ever had.
“The Lord’s Prayer” was written by Albert Hay Malotte in 1935, when he was 40 years old. It was first recorded by John Charles Thomas, one of the most famous singers of his time. Malotte has also written music for “The Beatitudes” and “The Twenty-third Psalm.” During WWII he was commissioned as Captain and entertained troops with an entourage of performers for two years. He wrote music for films, many of them animated by Disney. He died in 1964 and is buried in the Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills Cemetery.
“The Lord’s Prayer” has been recorded by numerous singers and no doubt it will always be around.
If you go to “You Tube” and type in, “The Lord’s Prayer,” you will see many choices of great singers presenting this music. Take your choice. Click here.