February 6, 2018 (Tuesday)
Francis H. Rowley has given the following account for the writing of the hymn, “I Will Sing the Wondrous Story:”
“I was minister of the First Baptist Church of North Adams, Massachusetts in 1886. The church and community were experiencing a period of unusual interest in religious matters, and I was assisted by a remarkable young Swiss musician by the name of Peter Bilhorn.
“One Sunday following the evening service he said, ‘Why don’t you write a hymn for me to set to music?’ During the night these verses came to me. the song was first published by Ira Sankey in 1887.”
I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
Words by Frank H. Rowley
Music by Peter Bilhorn
(1) I will sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me,
How He left His home in glory
For the cross of Calvary.
CHORUS:
Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me,
Sing it with the saints in glory
Gathered by the crystal sea.
(2) I was lost but Jesus found me,
Found the sheep that went astray,
Threw His loving arms around me,
Drew me back into His way.
(3) I was bruised but Jesus healed me,
Faint was I from many a fall;
Sight was gone, and fears possessed me,
But He freed me from them all.
(4) Days of darkness still come o’er me,
Sorrow’s paths I often tread,
But the Savior still is with me,
By His hand I’m safely led.
(5) He will keep me till the river
Rolls its waters at my feet;
Then He’ll bear me safely over,
Where the loved ones I shall meet.