April 22, 2017 (Saturday)
“Music, with me has been a side issue,” confessed Robert Lowry. “. . . I would rather preach a gospel sermon to an appreciative audience than write a hymn. I have always looked upon myself as a preacher and felt a sort of depreciation when I began to be known more as a composer.”
Whatever his feelings, when Robert Lowry died on November 23, 1899, in Plainfield, New Jersey, it was as a hymnwriter that he was best known; and that is how he is still remembered. A Baptist minister, he wrote the words and music for “Shall We Gather at the River,” “Christ Arose,” and “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.” In addition to those popular hymns, he wrote the music for several others that are loved by the church. Three of the best known are “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” “We’re Marching to Zion,” and “I Need Thee Every Hour.” (Dan Graves, Christianity.com).
Robert Lowry, 1864 Shall we gather at the river, Where bright angel feet have trod, With its crystal tide forever Flowing by the throne of God? Refrain: Yes, we’ll gather at the river, The beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river That flows by the throne of God. On the margin of the river, Washing up its silver spray, We will talk and worship ever, All the happy golden day. Ere we reach the shining river, Lay we every burden down; Grace our spirits will deliver, And provide a robe and crown. At the smiling of the river, Mirror of the Savior’s face, Saints, whom death will never sever, Lift their songs of saving grace. Soon we’ll reach the silver river, Soon our pilgrimage will cease; Soon our happy hearts will quiver With the melody of peace. |