‘What a Beautiful Sound’: Community Anthem Sing to Be Held This Sunday – The Selma Times‑Journal

If America had a national folk anthem, it would probably be “Amazing Grace.” This beloved and often sung hymn, written by John Newton in the late eighteenth century, is a powerful affirmation of the grace of God.

It is also the opening hymn of Hymnfest24, an old-time hymn that the congregation will sing along to at 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 3, at the historic St. Luke’s Church in the Old Cahawba Archaeological Park.

“We chose to open our HymnFest this year with this magnificent hymn that has been sung in Cahawba churches because it reminds us of how sweet the sound of God’s amazing grace is,” said Christina Weerts, HymnFest coordinator.

“We invite everyone from all faith traditions to join us for this festival of carols. We will sing favorite church hymns that have been sung for many years, we will be joined by local church choirs, and we will share the stories of some of the hymn writers.”

Amazing Grace composer John Newton’s mother died when he was just eight years old, and soon after he joined his father at sea and began a turbulent life in the Navy, eventually becoming captain of a slave ship. However, in four years his life changed dramatically: he almost drowned, married the very religious Mary Catlett and read Thomas Kempis. Imitation of Christ. In 1754, he renounced the slave trade and joined forces with the great abolitionist William Wilberforce, writing a book designed to end the slave trade in England.

Newton was eventually ordained into the Church of England and soon after wrote this great text declaring that we are saved only by the grace of God. Newton wrote, “I see no reason why God should have chosen me for mercy…unless it was for the purpose of showing by one striking example that with Him ‘nothing is impossible’.”

Although Newton wrote the text in 1779 in England, the hymn gained popularity in the United States many years later when it was compared to a popular Appalachian tune in an 1829 hymnal. Southern Harmony.

A variety of hymn books will be provided to all in attendance. Everyone is invited to this free event.

Hymnfest 24 is sponsored by the Cahaba Foundation, Mary E. Stallworth Foundation, Cahawba Advisory Committee, First Bank of Cahawba, Thrivent Financial, Old Cahawba Archaeological Park and the Alabama Historical Commission.

Old Cahawba is located 13 miles west of Selma at the confluence of the Alabama and Cahaba Rivers. Take the highway. 22, to Co. Rd. 9, then left for Co. Rd. 2. For questions, call the park at 334-872-8058.