August 28, 2016 (Sunday)
Seems like I always explain something about the way I was raised when I describe events of my upbringing. Here I go again. I was living with my father and stepmother and was in the 8th grade. I had become a Baptist by going to church with neighbors when living with my grandparents. But now I was attending the Assembly of God with my stepmother. My uncle, Hobson Skinner, led singing for the worship services. One of his favorites that he sang often was, “Hallelujah! We Shall Rise!” We sang it and “I’ll Fly Away” often. I sat with my cousin, Floyd Skinner, and he taught me how to sing bass. His mother was Mary, my father’s sister–a very sweet person. There were 7 children in the family. All of them loved the Lord. Howard, the oldest, was in the Navy during WW2 (he later died at an early age). Mildred, whom everyone called, “Sister,” played the piano and later became a minister. She also has died. Floyd was a little older than I, and Melvin was my age (Melvin, too, has gone to be with the Lord). Anna Mae also played the piano and accordion. James was younger. Alice and Henry were born last, much younger than the others. It was a very strong Christian family, and responsible for my stepmother, Dorothy’s. conversion to Christ. Uncle Hobson had been completely healed of a speech impediment, and was a strong witness for the Lord.
John Edmond Thomas 1904
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LISTEN (Gaither)
Words & Music of “Hallelujah! We Shall Rise!” by
John Edmond Thomas.
Born: December 6, 1860, Calhoun County, Arkansas.
Died: April 30, 1946, Fort Worth, Texas.
Buried: Greenwood Cemetery, Fort Worth, Texas.
In 1874, Thomas’ family moved from their farm in Texas to Arkansas. His father died later that year, leaving him as the oldest son. Though he had his hands full supporting the family, he managed to begin attending a vocal school at age 17, under Professor T. A. Bridges; he later studied under Horatio Palmer and George A. Goodrich. He began a full time music career in 1890, and with Franklin Eiland and John M. Greer, helped found the Trio Music Company in Waco, Texas, in 1892. He went on to establish The Quartet Music Company in Fort Worth, Texas. A teacher, composer, music compiler, and publisher for over 44 years, his works include: New Hosannas (with Newton Allphin et al.) (Ft. Worth, Texas: The Quartet Music Company, circa 1921) Requested Songs New and Old (with J. W. Ferrill) (Fort Worth, Texas: The Quartet Music Company, 1932), Analytical Theory of Music. Other songs written by him: The Glorious Gospel Train, I Am So Glad Salvation’s Free, and I’m a Child of the King.(cyberhymnal.org).