Samuel Stennett , an English Baptist, came from a long line of ministers. He was the son of a Seventh-Day Baptist pastor.

In the 18th century, university education was not easily available to nonconformist families—those who refused to swear allegiance to the Church of England. Stennett did study at the academy at Miles End with distinction, however. In spite of his nonconformist religious stance, Stennett was a personal friend to the reigning monarch, King George III.

"In The Sweet By-and-By" stands as a Christian hymn crafted by S. Bennett with musical composition by Joseph Webster. Originating from a conversation between Samuel Bennett and his musical collaborator, Joseph Webster, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, this hymn emerged as a quintessential expression of the Midwest United States.

Lydia Baxter lived her life in bed as an invalid for the majority of her adult life. However, she is said to have had a “cheerful and patient” manner. She was born on September 2, 1800 to Jonathan and Mary Odell. She found her faith through the preaching of Baptist missionary Eben Tucker. Lydia and her sister are said to have been responsible for establishing the Baptist church in Petersburg, New York, her hometown.

This week we are studding the word and worshiping in song wit “There is a Fountain.” As we study the Bible truth and worship God through Song, we know that God’s unending fountain of Love, Power and all knowing attribute, we can rest assured of His trustworthiness and rest in Him.

“Rock of Ages” was written by Augustus M. Toplady, with music by Thomas Hastings. Legend says that Toplady wrote the hymn during a stormy incident in England. While traveling along the gorge in Burrington Combe, Caught in a fierce storm he took shelter in a gap in the gorge, where he wrote the original lyrics. The rock is now marked with a plaque that reads: “Rock of Ages:

Russell Carter was a man of varied passions and abilities.

Carter had a variety of jobs from sheep herding to professor of Natural Science, Civil Engineering, Chemistry and Mathematics.

While sheep herding, he developed a heart condition and began to feel he was near death. Praying for healing he drew closer to God. After his healing he vowed to be used for God and this became the principle of his life “to stand on God’s promises”.

This week we did something we have done something we’ve never done before. We took and old song I sang in Bible School Days that has an unknown author called Sweeter than the day Before. Several versions have been written over the years by a several unknown people. “Sweeter than the Day Before” was most likely written many years before that probably by many people over the years. Vivian and I sat down this week and put our own words to some new verses and a sax instrumental part to our song and I hope it blesses you.

This week we are looking at a song that proclaims the Joy and excitement that is present in our experience of the salvation of our eternal souls from a damnation we deserved in punishment for our sin. Our Song this week is Saved, Saved, Saved.

These words are life reflections of John Newton, a slave trader who nearly died in a shipwreck, and who eventually became a minister. He penned the famous words of "Amazing Grace" for a sermon for his 1773 New Year's service at the Church of St. Peter, in the small British town of Olney. Much later, in 1835, the American Baptist song leader, William Walker, paired the lyrics with the traditional tune, "New Britain," creating the version familiar to audiences today.

Our song "Draw Me Nearer Precious Lord" is a prayer, celebrating the joy of faith—and the desire for an even deeper faith. Blind at six weeks of age, Crosby began composing texts at age 6. At 12 she began her study at the New York School for the Blind, a school she later served as a teacher and an advocate for the blind cause.