Fort Street Presbyterian Church, in Detroit, Michigan - 175th Anniversary

1849 = 175 Years

Fort Street Presbyterian Church, in Detroit, Michigan, is an absolutely impressive church. In 2024 they are celebrating their 175^th anniversary.  My work with the church began with Pastor Garrett Longmann.  From the conversations we had together, emerged a new hymn for them. 

The anniversary hymn I created for them is called: “Christ, Who Once Beckoned”.  I sent it to them on November 15, 2023. 

Garrett got back to me on November 16^th. He told me that they have a new music director Patrick Kuhl, and that Patrick would respond directly regarding the new hymn.

  I had an email from Patrick on November 21, 2023, saying that he approves and plans to use the hymn to the familiar tune i suggested, JERUSALEM.

 

These gorgeous photos of this incredible church building were made by Helmut Ziewers for Historic Detroit. 

Bethesda MD Congregation will Celebrate Its Anniversary with a John Dalles Hymn...

If you live in metropolitan DC you may already recognize the Hermon Presbyterian Church.  It is the quintessential white frame church with a center tower at the doorway, that you will see depicted in many illustrations, especially at Christmas time.  It looks like a child's drawing of "The way churches are supposed to look".

If you are looking for a small church worship and community and you're in the DC area, you should visit. The congregation has a full mission ministry, and is a very welcoming place.

They are about to celebrate a milestone anniversary, and I am glad to be part of it, even if remotely, by having written an anniversary hymn for them to sing.  

It is great to be able to be with the church in spirit, if not in person, for their special day.  Here is how the new hymn came into being:

I worked with Andrew Corson, who is a church Elder and who grew up in the church. In response to my request for idea starters, Andrew provided Hermon’s beautiful and thoughtful Welcome Statement, as well as some photos of the current restoration work being done on the church.  Andrew indicated that they like singing  ROCK OF AGES, A MIGHT FORTRESS, and GOD OF AGES. So I selected from those ROCK OF AGES, to which I wrote their new anniversary hymn called: “God of Blessings, On This Day…” and emailed it to him in early December.  I'm looking forward to hearing how the congregation enjoys singing it.

 

A New Hymn for the First Church of Weymouth's Four Hundredth Anniversary (1623-2023)

 Here is a remarkable story.  In Weymouth, Mass., you can worship on any given Sunday, with a congregation that began in 1623.  Just three years after Plymouth Rock!  It boggles the mind, that this congregation has been gathering for worship every Sunday since then, and is considered to be the oldest church in the USA offering continuing weekly worship.

As you might guess, a church this old also must have some interesting stories to tell about its many years of faithfulness. And you would be correct.  Regarding their history, nothing stands out for me as much as the association with the Smith family.  As in Abigail Smith Adams, who grew up in this congregation before marrying John Adams (in the church parsonage) and becoming the second First Lady of the United States, a celebrated letter writer, and one of the chief definers of the role of First Lady.  Her father was the pastor of the church, and its longest tenured minister - serving a total of 46 years.  Awesome as that is, there is more to tell about Rev. Smith.  Indeed, he was one of the first people anywhere to read the newly written Declaration of Independence to a gathered crowd, in this case, from the pulpit of the church which is still in use, to this day.

I love this kind of history.  And so I am glad to say that the church has given me the responsibility of writing their 400th Anniversary Hymn.  It is written, and in the hands of the church's music director, Jane, who has written a brand new tune to go with my words.  Exciting indeed.

The church has been celebrating its 400th all year long, and had a special concert several weeks ago.  

I enjoyed working on this new hymn with Jane Cleary, who is the music director and also a long time part of the congregation.  Here is how it unfolded...  I sent Jane a list of questions to consider as we began our work.  Jane sent me a nice informational email answering many of the questions and adding additional helpful details.  From it, I was immediately inspired to write their hymn “Four Hundred Years Before Us”.  When it was done, I sent the first draft to Jane.  Jane loved it.  Better yet, she composed a brand new hymn tune to go with it, which she completed on October 28, 2023. 

Anniversary Sunday is still on the horizon, December 10th of this year.  The hymn will have its debut on that day in worship.  I am so honored to be a part of their amazing and wonderful 400 years in this way.

South Church - 300th Anniversary Hymn by John A. Dalles

 This past Saturday evening saw a festive celebration concert at the South Church in Bergenfield New Jersey.  They were celebrating a remarkable anniversary - 300 years!  Imagine, the church was begun long before we had the Declaration of Independence.  Indeed, a decade before the birth of Founding Father George Washington. 

I was glad to be part of the celbration.  There was music from various periods n the church's 300 year history.  There were instrumentalist, pianists, soloists, and organist, as well as the church choir.  And as the finale of the evening, the congregation sang the 300th Anniversary Hymn that I had written for them. They sang it with verve.  It was wonderful to hear them.

I wish I could have been there - but thankfully, I could participate remotely on line.  

New 225th Anniversary Hymn Sung at Sycamore Presbyterian Church on October 15th, 2023

 "God is Forever Near" is the name of the hymn that I wrote for Sycamore Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati Ohio.  

The Sunday before last, I tuned in to their online Sunday Morning worship service and it was almost like being there in person.  

The service was lovely in every way.  Much of it was written by and presented by the children of the church - which on an anniversary Sunday is a perfect way to highlight the present and future of the congregation.  

The sermon by the associate pastor Rachel was right on target, focusing on Jesus' words, "Let the children come unto me."  

There was lots of good music, and the hymn I wrote for them was the concluding hymn of the morning.  The congregation sang it with what I can only call gusto, so I believe they were enjoying singing it as much as I enjoyed hearing it.  

What a treat!

 

"Whosoever On the Night of Christ's Nativity" Anthem to Be Published by MorningStar Publishing

Breaking news...

Word was just received that the well-known sacred music company MorningStar will be publishing an anthem that I wrote in collaboration with Glenn Rudolph.  The piece is entitled. “Whosoever on the Night of Christ’s Nativity”.

It is an anthem for Christmas Eve.  My words were inspired by an anonymous quotation.  Here's the quotation.  My words will have to wait for the anthem's publication...

This Christmas Eve Hymn was inspired by the following anonymous quotation:

Whosoever on the night of the nativity of the young Lord Jesus, in the great snows, shall fare forth bearing a succulent bone for the lost and lamenting hounds, a wisp of hay for the shivering horse, a cloak of warm raiment for the stranded wayfarer, a bundle of brushwood for the shivering widow, a garland of bright red berries for one who has worn chains, a dish of crumbs with a song of love for all huddled birds who thought that song was dead, and various lavish delicacies for such children’s faces that peer from lonely windows, to them shall be offered and returned gifts of such an astonishment as will rival the hues of the peacock and the harmonies of heaven; so that though they live to the great age when they go stooping and querulous because of the nothing that is left of them, yet shall they walk upright and remembering, as those whose hearts shine like blazing stars, in their chest.

-          Author unknown, 

Glenn took my lyrics in hand and crafted the music to go with it.  As I like to say, Glenn is the George (music) and I am the Ira (words).  It is a joy to share in this - and a treat that it will be published.  

The anticipated publication date is April 2024, in time to promote it for use at Christmas 2024.

I have another piece published by MorningStar, called "God of Wonder" with music by Donna J. Butler.

New Work with Glenn Rudolph

As you may recall, I have been creating new hymns and anthems with Pittsburgh sacred music composer Glenn Rudolph for many years.  Looking back, I think the first piece we did together was around 2000, but I will double check to be sure.  Some of these new pieces have been published and are available for church musicians to select and present in their congregations.

Not long ago, Glenn asked me if I would write the text for a new anthem he was writing.  Based on an old and beloved tune, but modified and adapted by Glenn for our present age.  I was glad to give it a go.

Sometimes, working on hymns, it takes a lot of time, trial and error, and fine tuning to get the hymn text into a singable form that I am pleased with.  That is part of the creative process, and something I enjoy doing.  I anticipated this request would go something like that.  But I was happily surprised.  This hymn text practically wrote itself. In a very brief period of time.  Did I feel particularly inspired?  Yes indeed.  And the result not only worked, it was also "as it was meant to be".

At least I thought so.  And then, I sent it to Glenn to see what he thought of it.  His immediate answer back was: "Perfect!"

Isn't it great wen a plan comes together like that?  

So, here's the thing.  Glenn tells me that BEFORE he seeks publication for a new piece, he shares it with friends and colleagues, so they have a first chance preenting it, and also they can give some good feedback on how it was received, both by the choir presenting it and the congregation that received it.  He has done that.  And encouraged me to do the same.  So I sent it out, and have had some encouraging replies from friends who are anticipating presenting it in the near future.  As I learn when they will do so, I will update this post, so you can have a chance to hear it.

The anthem is called "Rejoice! Salvation's Come!" and it begins with the line "Why am I thankful every day?"  the tune is known to those who know the old old hymn "The Gate Ajar for Me" - except Glenn has giving it a new extra verve.  When I heard it, I told him he has a hit on his hands.  At least, that is my conviction.

Stay "tuned" for updates as they come!

Good News...

I am a pushover for good news. 

I suppose every Christian is, since the Gospel, is--literally--the Good News.  The point being if you run into someone in church settings who is a constant debbie downer or gloomy gus, the likelihood is that they never got the memo about what it is to be a Christian.  I won't say that happens a lot, but if you said it, I would not argue the point.

I can go for weeks and weeks on a bit of good news that comes either expectedly or unexpectedly. My guess is that you can, as well.

Today, I am rejoicing in two pieces of good news having to do with my hymn writing.  One came in the mail and one in the email which to my way of thinking is a nice blend of old and new technology.  Both came from hymn publishers...

The first good news came from Scott Shorney who is the Vice President of Hope Publishing Company, in Chicagoland, which is the largest and leading publisher of hymns in the country--at least that is what I have been told.  The Shorney family are Hope Publishing and vise versa.  Scott is a great fellow and among other things he and his family host the Life Member Dinner at the Annual Meeting of the Hymn Society which is always a joyful evening.

Scott wrote to request permission that one of my hymns may be printed in a preview book that is now underway for the Community of Christ Hymnal (due to be published in 2013).  This will give members of that denomination a chance to sample some of the hymns that will be in the new book.  Of course I said yes.  I was aware that the book was underway and also had received word that some of my hymns would be in it, because of several happy communications from Dale Luffman, who was in my doctor of ministry cohort group at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary back in the mid 1990s.  Dale is one of the leaders of the Community of Christ denomination and when the editors of their new hymnal met with him a year or so ago to show him what had been selected for the new hymnal, he was happily surprised to see the name of an old friend among the names of the authors, and got in touch with me.  Dale and the others who were in our D. Min. group were all from "all over" both geographically and denominational speaking; I was the only person in the group who lived in Pittsburgh.  So every time our group met (in June and January for two years), Judy and I would host a dinner to which all of the others and all our professors and their spouses for that semester were invited, as well as Sam and Doris Calian, the President of the seminary and his wife, who are dear friends.  Good news in the form of a letter and good memories, combined.

The second good news came from Lucy Sullivan who is with Wayne Leupold Editions, another fine publishers of hymns and sacred music.  Wayne Leupold is a human dynamo and an excellent organist and founded this company ...  about a dozen years ago and it has been a real boost to sacred hymn writers.  Lucy is the editor at WLE.  This news came in as I was starting the September Worship Committee meeting.  I happened to hear the computer make that "ding" noise that says a new email came in.  I took a look and lo and behold there was not one, but two emails, from Lucy.  Now, in 2009 WLE published a collection of 62 of my hymns called "We Turn to God" and I had the joy of working with Lucy then.  Since that time they had told me that a second book would be brought out in 2013.  So I had that in the back of my mind but in these matters the publisher always takes the lead and the author follows the steps, if you will permit a dancing metaphor. 

The news in the emails confirmed that Wayne Leupold is indeed planning to make my new book ready in time for the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Hymn Society.

As the evening progressed, in Longwood, FL, we were working on many things having to do with worship in the next several months include Scottish Sunday on September 30th and World Communion Sunday the week after that.  In Colfax NC, Lucy was working (well into the night I might point out) on hymn publishing stuff--and I was on her radar.  So that when my meeting was over, I had several more emails from Lucy one of which was a conversation about the title for the book.  From some months back, we had had a tentative title and then a second working title and both were taken from first lines of hymns that would be in the book, but neither of them had really grabbed either of us.  In one of the emails, Lucy suggested that we turn the first line in one of the proposed title hymns from passive voice (in which it was written) to active voice.

Ta da!  What a wonderful idea.  And not only that, since the number of syllables were exactly the same, Lucy suggested that the active voice version might fit the hymn as well as fit our ideas for the title.  So it was that I went to the text of the hymn to see.  And yes, not only does it fit, but fit beautifully.  I told Lucy she is the hymn writer's angel--which she is.

So we are underway. 

I am thankful to the Lord that these two good news items were in my head when I awakened today.

When We Waken in the Morning

When We Waken in the Morning

A Retirement Hymn for The Rev. Dr. Paige M. McRight

Text: John A. Dalles, 2012; Suggested Familiar Tune: KELVINGROVE

When we waken in the morning,

Jesus meets us there!

When we sing, the Lord adoring,

Jesus meets us there!

When we hear God’s sacred Word,

When we live all we have heard—

When we waken in the morning,

Jesus meets us there!

When throughout the day we gather,

Jesus meets us there!

When we do His work together,

Jesus meets us there!

When our workmanship is fine,

When it’s for the Lord of time—

When throughout the day we gather,

Jesus meets us there!

When we share Christ’s cup of blessing,

Jesus meets us there!

When our goal is praise unceasing,

Jesus meets us there!

When we offer heart and mind,

When our goal is good and kind—

When we share Christ’s cup of blessing,

Jesus meets us there!

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Jesus meets us there!

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Jesus meets us there!

When we venture far or near,

It is Christ’s “Well done!” we’ll hear!

Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Jesus meets us there!

Copyright © John A. Dalles, 2012.  

Permission granted to Paige M. McRight.

Background and Update as of 2024:

This hymn was written for the retirement worship service honoring The Dr. Dr. Paige McRight, as Executive Presbyter of Central Florida Presbytery.  Paige did a great job of overseen the work of the Presbytery and caring for the churches and ministers who belonged to the Presbytery.  She also helped to guide the Presbytery through some very challenging times, as there was a movement afoot nationally for congregations to both lobby for changes that were not Presbyterian in nature, and to leave the denomination by "taking the money and run" as well as the property, which in fact was not theirs to take.  It made life for the many faithful Presbyterians among us - myself included - pretty frustrating at times, because it got in the way of being the church and doing the work of Christ.  As I say, Paige was quite good at dealing with these nearly impossible messy situations.  Since retirement, she has been working every bit as hard as an interim pastor, and in work for the denotation, as well as writing for publication.  As they say, ministers don't retire, they just go out to pastor.  

This hymn is one of my favorites, and owes that in large measure to the wonderful tune it is set to, which of course was in my head as I wrote it.  I created it so that it consul be used in situations other than retirement, in deed, it is a good Morning Hymn for many worship occasions.  Give it a try; I am sure your congregation will enjoy singing it.

Tread the Trails of Glory

Tread the Trails of Glory

Text: John A. Dalles, May 18, 2012

Tune: RACHIE

Meter: 6565D with refrain

Tread the trails of glory,

Serving Christ the king;

Step by step in daily living,

Loudest praises bring!

Joining in the journey,

Walking in Christ’s way

In the presence of the Savior,

Through the day!

Refrain:

Tread the trails of glory,

Serving Christ the king;

Step by step in daily living,

Loudest praises bring!

Jesus calls disciples

To become His friends,

In the company of caring,

So Jesus sends.

Onward through the ages,

Outward to the world,

Filled with confidence and joy, now

Serve the Living Lord!

Refrain:

Sisters, will you join us?

Brothers, shall you share?

Friends, delight in reaching others,

Here and everywhere!

Bring the gifts and talents

God has given you—

As you give them, Christ will use them;

See what Christ can do!

Refrain:

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.

Please note also that this text is not strictly 6565D with refrain, but that is the meter designation for the old Welsh tune RACHIE, and if you listen to it, by clicking on the tune name, you will find that the words match the notes in the tune effectively.

Down the Ages

Down the Ages

A hymn of the ongoing work of Christ - For All Saints Sunday

Text: John A. Dalles, May 18, 2012

Tune: COEDMOR

Meter: 878787

Down the ages, saints have offered

Endless praises, wise and well.

Sharing wonders of the Gospel,

As they worked, good news to tell—

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

Since the day when Jesus called them

As God’s word inflamed their soul

And the ways of faith enthralled them

Saints still seek the kingdom’s goal—

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

Come and cast off vain ambition,

Clothe yourselves in love and grace,
Serving Christ, your only mission,
As God sets the time and place!
Living in the light of Jesus,
Down the ages, to this day!

Humble servants, scholars, poets,

Teachers, preachers, all who care,

Friends who love the Lord and show it,

Taking Jesus everywhere.

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

See them in one great procession,

One in Christ and one in faith,

Praising, serving, in succession,

Christ the Living Lord of grace!

Living in the light of Jesus,

Down the ages, to this day!

 

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.

If We Go Where Jesus Leads Us

If We Go Where Jesus Leads Us

A hymn of discipleship

Text: John A. Dalles, May 17, 2012

Tune: CALON LAN

Meter: 8787D

If we go where Jesus leads us,

He reveals a better plan,

For the route to gallant highlands,

Calls our faith to understand!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Call the Lord and learn the reason,

Why the peaceful lilies grow,

From the ground they spring in season,

Bloom and bless Christ by their glow!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

And may all who trust in Jesus,

From old lifelessness move toward,

What reveals our worth and names us,

As the ones who call the Lord!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Call the Lord and learn the reason,

Why the smallest sparrows fly

From the fledgling nest, in season,

Tiny feathers win the sky!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Call the Lord and learn the reason,

Why the saddest heart shall sing,

From the love that grows, in season,

Joy shall come and earth will ring!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

If we seek the slightest blessing,

Bless all those, this day, we meet,

Show God’s kindliness unceasing:

It is Christ himself we greet!

Call the Lord, at morn or midnight,

Call the Lord, throughout the day,

Call the Lord, at noon and twilight,

Call the Lord, to lead the way!

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.

The Fields are Ripe with Grain

A Hymn for Harvest Time

Text: John A. Dalles, May 3, 2012

Tune: ST MICHAEL

Meter: S.M. 6686

The fields are ripe with grain,

The vines, are bending low,

The harvest time has come again,

Into God’s fields, we go!

We labor not for praise—

Nor pressure from the world;

We simply offer all our days,

Unto the Living Lord!

We work from dawn to dusk;

We do the best we can.

For Christ has given us the task,

To work with heart and hand!

In confidence and grace,

We calmly carry on,

Till we shall hear the Savior’s praise,

“Well done, my friend, well done!”

Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Permission granted for one-time use in worship with proper copyright information as shown above. Please do send me one copy of your bulletin if you use the hymn.