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By Richie T Steadman
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The podcast currently has 914 episodes available.
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Historical Context:
Horatio G. Spafford, a prosperous young lawyer from Chicago, seemed to have it all. His life was characterized by a thriving legal practice, a loving family, and a strong Christian faith. Among his friends were notable evangelists, including Dwight L. Moody, a fellow Chicagoan who would leave a lasting impact on the Christian world.
But Horatio’s life took a devastating turn. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire consumed much of the city, and with it, Spafford’s substantial real estate investments along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. His fortune evaporated overnight. As if echoing the trials of Job, Spafford’s young son had died shortly before the fire, compounding his grief. But the most heart-wrenching chapter of his life was yet to unfold.
Seeking a respite for his weary family and intending to join Moody in his evangelistic campaigns in Great Britain, Horatio planned a European trip for his wife and four daughters in 1873. Unexpected business delays forced him to stay behind in Chicago, but he sent his family ahead, expecting to follow shortly.
Tragedy struck on November 22 when the S.S. Ville du Havre, the ship carrying his family, was struck by an English vessel and sank within twelve minutes. Days later, Spafford received a heart-wrenching telegram from his wife, Anna, which read, “Saved alone.” All four of their daughters had perished in the disaster.
Overwhelmed with grief, Horatio set sail to join his bereaved wife. As his ship passed near the spot where his daughters had died, Spafford was inspired to write the hymn that would resonate with millions: “It Is Well with My Soul.” The opening lines capture his profound faith amidst unimaginable sorrow:
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Despite his personal tragedies, Spafford’s faith remained unshaken. He and Anna had more children—another daughter, Bertha, born in 1878, and a son, Horatio, born in 1880, who tragically died of scarlet fever. After the birth of their daughter Grace in 1881, the Spaffords moved to Jerusalem, drawn by a deep spiritual connection to the Holy Land. There, they established the American Colony, a utopian society dedicated to philanthropy among Jews, Muslims, and Christians.
The Colony thrived for decades, engaging in benevolent activities and fostering a spirit of unity among different faiths. In the 1950s, it transformed into the American Colony Hotel, playing a significant role in the peace talks between Palestine and Israel, which led to the Oslo Peace Accords of 1983.
“It Is Well with My Soul” transcends the boundaries of its origin, being a beloved hymn across various Christian denominations. Its themes of peace and trust in God’s plan resonate deeply, offering comfort and solace during times of distress and mourning. The hymn’s central message is one of unwavering faith and submission to God’s will, no matter the circumstances.
While “It Is Well with My Soul” has not been included in previous editions of the LDS hymnbook, its powerful message and widespread recognition make it a valuable addition. The hymn aligns perfectly with the LDS Church’s criteria for hymn selection:
The hymn, with its universal appeal and profound message, is likely to be well-received within the LDS community. Its inclusion in worship services can provide comfort and a sense of solidarity, especially during challenging times.
This poignant story was featured by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square during their annual Christmas concert, with actor Hugh Bonneville narrating the tale of Spafford and his family’s trials. The powerful performance left audiences deeply moved, highlighting the enduring impact of Spafford’s faith and resilience.
https://youtu.be/ReApJymYSiw?si=NBj05KnCyEq_Bf-p&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
“It Is Well with My Soul” is more than just a hymn; it is a story of faith triumphing over tragedy. Horatio Spafford’s legacy, encapsulated in this powerful hymn, continues to inspire and comfort millions around the world. Its inclusion in the LDS hymnbook will undoubtedly enrich worship experiences, offering a poignant reminder of the peace that faith in God can bring, even in the midst of life’s fiercest storms. The touching narrative shared by Hugh Bonneville at the Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas concert underscores the timeless relevance of this hymn’s message.
The post 824 Hear Hymn – #1003 It is Well With My Soul appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.
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Hymn Overview – #1005 His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Listen to the Hymn
Tabernacle Choir Version
“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Matthew 10:29-31
Cultural and Religious Significance
Inclusion Rationale
Impact and Reception
Additional Notes
Multimedia Elements
Original Lyrics
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know[b]
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
A song in the night, oh my soul![c]
By providing both historical context and exploring its cultural and religious significance, this overview offers a comprehensive understanding of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” within the framework for the ‘Hear Hymn’ segment.
As we explore the hymns featured in the new LDS hymnbook, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” (#1005) emerges as a hymn of deep comfort and faith. Its soothing melody and reassuring lyrics invite us to trust in God’s constant care, a message that resonates universally across various Christian traditions.
Composed in 1905 by Charles H. Gabriel and Civilla D. Martin, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” draws its inspiration from Matthew 10:29-31. The hymn’s creation was inspired by a profound experience in Elmira, New York, where Dr. Martin and her husband were staying early in the spring of 1905. During their stay, they befriended Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle, a couple whose unwavering faith and joy despite severe physical ailments left a lasting impression. When asked about the secret to their hopeful outlook, Mrs. Doolittle simply replied, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” This simple yet powerful expression of faith moved Dr. Martin deeply, leading to the creation of this beloved hymn.
“His Eye Is on the Sparrow” is particularly popular in African American gospel music traditions and has been performed by numerous artists, including Mahalia Jackson, Ethel Waters, and Whitney Houston. Its inclusion in various films and television shows further underscores its widespread appeal and cultural significance. One of my favorites is the version from the movie *Sister Act 2*, performed by Tanya Blount and Lauryn Hill.
https://youtu.be/N9-Z-QNVIaE?si=LsnoeZhCcZ9ru8RW&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss
The central theme of the hymn is trust in God’s care and providence. It beautifully teaches the doctrine of God’s omnipresence and attentive care for all His creations, aligning perfectly with the biblical reassurance that God is mindful of every living being.
The Church’s hymn selection process emphasizes pieces that foster worship, teach core doctrines, and inspire joy and unity. “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” excels in all these areas:
The inclusion of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” in the LDS hymnbook brings a hymn with a universal message of divine care and trust. Its familiarity and comforting lyrics make it a strong candidate for inclusion, appealing to a broad audience both within and outside the LDS tradition.
The addition of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” is anticipated to be warmly received, especially given its comforting message and widespread recognition. Its presence in worship services and personal study is likely to enhance the spiritual experience by encouraging trust in God’s care and providing solace during times of personal struggle.
The hymn has been widely recorded by a range of artists, including Mahalia Jackson, Ethel Waters, and Whitney Houston. Its inclusion in popular culture highlights the powerful message it conveys. Many individuals have shared personal testimonies of finding comfort in this hymn during challenging times, reinforcing its message of divine reassurance.
For those eager to experience “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” you can find renditions in the LDS Gospel Library or enjoy a beautiful YouTube performance. Visuals associated with the hymn’s theme often include images of sparrows and scenes reflecting God’s care and presence, further enriching the experience.
In summary, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” is a hymn of comfort and faith, beloved across various Christian traditions. Its message of God’s omnipresence and attentive care makes it a powerful addition to the LDS hymnbook. As we sing this hymn, we join a global chorus of believers who trust in the divine care that watches over every sparrow, and by extension, each one of us.
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Dr. Matt Harris is a specialist in US history with a particular focus in religion and the law, church and state, American religious history, civil rights, and Mormon Studies. He received a BA and MA in history from Brigham Young University and an MPhil and PhD, also in history, from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.
He is the author of numerous books and articles, including The Mormon Church and Blacks: A Documentary History (Univ. of Illinois Press, 2015), Thunder on the Right: Ezra Taft Benson in Mormonism and Politics (Univ. of Illinois Press, 2019), “Watchman on the Tower”: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right (Univ. of Utah Press, 2019) and (with Newell G. Bringhurst) The Mormon Church and its Gospel Topics Essays: The Scholarly Community Responds (Univ. of Utah Press, 2019). He is currently at work on three book-length manuscripts: “The Long Awaited Day”: Blacks, Mormons, and the Lifting of the Priesthood and Temple Ban, 1945-2018; J. Reuben Clark and the Making of Modern Mormonism (Univ. of Illinois Press); and Hugh B. Brown: Mormonism’s Progressive Apostle (Signature Books). His article “Mormonism’s Problematic Racial Past and the Evolution of the Divine-Curse Doctrine,” published in The John Whitmer Historical Society Journal, won the Vera Jean and J. Talmage Jones Award from the Mormon History Association in 2014. His work has been featured on CSPAN and various social media outlets.
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Meagan Rainock (PhD, Sociology, Vanderbilt University) is a postdoctoral fellow in a joint
appointment split between the Department of Medicine, Health, and Society at Vanderbilt and
the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Fisk University. As a sociologist, she studies the
identities, obstacles, and experiences of minorities as they navigate social institutions, and has
published work in the areas of religion, education, criminal justice, and mental health. She
currently lives in Nashville with her husband and daughter.
Shinji Takagi, a retired economist, continues his research in economics and now also in
Mormon studies. Author or coauthor of nearly 200 publications in economics, he has
more than a dozen publications in Mormon and biblical studies; he currently serves as an
Editorial Advisory Board member of the Mormon Studies Review. His 2016 book, The
Trek East: Mormonism Meets Japan, 1901–1968, received the 2017 Best International
Book Award from the Mormon History Association. Since 2020, he has been dividing his
time between Ashburn, Va., a suburb of Washington, D.C. where he held his last full-time
job, and Fukuoka, Japan, to look after his 96-year-old mother.
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