Where did our music come from?

Ambrose, Bishop of Milan Introduced the idea of writing hymns with 8 stanzas 4 lines per stanza one note per syllable in a plain, easily remembered tune

Martin Luther Was called “The Ambrose of German Hymnody” Desired to put Biblical song in the language of the people so that ALL could sing praise to God

John Calvin Believed in putting the Psalms in the vernacular of the people simple and unaccompanied.

Isaac Watts Was called “The Father of English Hymnody” Wanted songs that expressed the thoughts and feelings of the singer rather than just the circumstances of the psalm writers

The Moravians Influenced the Wesleys with their piety and their great emotion Were reported to have held a prayer meeting that lasted 24 hours a day 7 days a week for 100 years.

John and Charles Wesley Gave instructions for congregational singing “If the preacher cannot sing himself, let him choose two or three persons in every place to pitch the tunes for him.”

Instructions for congregational singing Sing ALL. Sing lustily. Sing modestly. Sing in time. Above all, sing spiritually.

John Newton and William Cowper

The Olney Hymnal

The Ainsworth Psalter

The Bay Psalm Book

William Billings America’s first professional musician Established singing schools all over New England Published The New England Psalm Singer Wrote “When Jesus Wept”

Lowell Mason Sometimes called “The Father of American Church Music” Wrote over 1600 religious compositions Was the first music teacher in an American public school

The Mennonites Influenced congregational singing 4 parts Unaccompanied

Camp Meetings

Fanny Crosby “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”

Dwight L. Moody and Ira Sankey

Ira Sankey

Ira Sankey and Fanny Crosby

Philip P. Bliss One of the greatest hymn writers of all time. Last hymn penned---- “So on I go, not knowing, I would not if I might; I’d rather walk in the dark with God Than go alone in the light.”

Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19

Psalter Scripture, usually psalms, written in metered (poetic) form to make them easier to sing. Stayed as close to the Scripture as possible – varying only as needed for the meter.