MUSIC NOTES …
“Trust and obey! For there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey” ~ Rev. Henry John Sammis
During my mother’s recent visit from Iowa we were discussing her newfound interest in family genealogy. She has spent hundreds of hours learning about our ancestors, visiting cemeteries and library archives, and putting together timelines and histories of our family. I believe her love of genealogy has to do with connections – how we understand ourselves, our past; how we form unions with others, and create families and histories of our own. And working on genealogy is much like solving a mystery; assembling scattered and fragmentary clues until you have a picture of a person, a place, and a time. She thrives at this sort of challenge!Through our discussions I also learned she was instrumental in putting together a history record for the 100th celebration of our hometown church’s building in 2008. She found herself feeling more connected to her beloved Presbyterian church once she really dug into it’s rich history. She loved tracking down names of the past and reading through colorful stories that had been collected over the years. But there’s one discovery that came out of our little church’s history that she was most excited to share with me….
Henry John Sammis (1846-1919) was businessman and YMCA worker in Logansport, IN. Sammis attended McCormick and Lane Theological Seminaries, and was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1880. He served as minister at First Presbyterian Church of Glidden, Iowa, from 1879-1881 (our home church); then went on to lead congregations in Indianapolis, IN; Grandhaven, MI, Red Wing, MN; and Sullivan, IN. For the remainder of his career, he taught at the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. He was a friend of Daniel B. Towner (1850-1919), who was music director for several well-known churches and schools, including the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. He published several music books and wrote the music for many well-loved hymns, including At Calvary and Only A Sinner Saved By Grace. In 1887, just following an evangelistic meeting held by Dwight L. Moody, a young man stood to share his story in an after-service testimony meeting. As he was speaking, it became clear to many that he knew little about the Bible or acceptable Christian doctrine. His closing lines, however, spoke volumes to seasoned and new believers alike: “I’m not quite sure. But I’m going to trust, and I’m going to obey.” Daniel Towner was so struck by the power of those simple words that he quickly jotted them down and then delivered them to Rev. Sammis, who developed the lyrics to Trust and Obey. Towner composed the music and the song quickly became a favorite. It remains popular with hymn singers today.
Refrain: Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. (Refrain)
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey. (Refrain)
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, But is blessed if we trust and obey. (Refrain)
But we never can prove the delights of His love, Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows, Are for them who will trust and obey. (Refrain)
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet. Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey. (Refrain)
(taken from the source www.faithclipart.com)
The congregation of Norway Grove Memorial Lutheran Church will be celebrating our 60th anniversary on Sunday, September 26th. In preparation for that proud day for our church, those attending summer services will hear stories of the church’s rich history that also connect us to our past as well as the hope for an exciting future. It will be a great opportunity to hear about the people and events that have shaped this church into who we are today. We look forward to exploring those connections with you throughout the summer!
Jill Buchheim, Music Director