When people think about a funeral more often than not there's the question of what if any hymn should we listen to or maybe even sing.
Most hymns were created to tell a story often in a time of challenge and they were mostly written by normal people expressing themselves in a way they felt they could.
So I wanted to tell you the story behind some of the hymns families choose
Abide with me - Henry Francis Lyte
Written around 1847 - Henry Lyte was a doctor who later became a clergyman he had a difficult childhood and was orphaned at a young age - he suffered most of his life with tuberculosis so lived by the sea in Devon to help with his condition. He planned a trip to Italy to help with the Tuberculosis - before he left for Italy he went to his study one night and penned the words of the song
Abide with me - he then left for Italy getting as far as Nice on the French Riviera where he passed away- at his memorial service they sang his song for the first time.
Amazing Grace - John Newton
Its original text was written by a former slave trader, John Newton back in 1772 ,who had a brush with death in the high seas - this experience led him to become a Christian. Over time he realised that the trade he had been in was wrong and became a part of the abolitionist movement. Amazing grace was written as his story of being saved from death at sea but over time has become an anthem of those fighting for freedom Amazing Grace being free to live free away from the slave owners.
All things bright and beautiful - Mrs Cecil Frances Alexander
The original poem was written by Mrs Cecil Alexander 1848 and then the tune was composed by William Henry Monk 1887. Its thought that the hymn is just Mrs Alexander's thoughts on all of the many places across the Uk which they visited. Theres is but one version which is often requested at funerals the version sung by Harry Secombe - who for years was on Songs of Praise every week.
Morning has broken -Eleanor Farjeon
Eleanor Farjeon a children's author was in 1931 asked to write a poem to fit the tune of a lovely Scottish tune. It's often a song which people remember from childhood maybe from assemblies when they would sing it. It's a simple tune and has easy words which most people remember. Cat Stevens recorded a version which is often used at services its lovely to listen to most people know it - but its is definitely not a version you would choose to sing along to unless you have been classically trained to the standard of Katherine Jenkins.
Some people want a hymn and there are so many to choose from, I love some of the unheard of hymns there are so many that can help tell a story in words and songs when perhaps you are unable to.
Please ask if I can help you find a hymn which would work in your loved ones service, Ive my grandma's well worn hymn books to hand to research from.
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