Last week’s column was about a recent visit to an assisted living facility. I played piano as Ramona Giles led the residents in singing. She picked old hymns, beginning with “Victory in Jesus” followed by “Because He Lives.”

I was surprised to learn that neither song is in the 1940 Broadman Hymnal. “Victory in Jesus” was published in 1939, probably too late for the deadline. E. M. Barlett, who wrote the lyrics and music, died in 1941, perhaps unaware how well the song would be received.

“Because He Lives” is so familiar I was sure we sang it during childhood, but it’s younger than me. The 1971 effort of Bill and Gloria Gaither is one of many songs written and recorded by the talented couple.

The next eight selections came from the storied green Broadman, the one I’m most sentimentally attached to. I’m not opposed to new material, but the hymns I grew up with are infused with sweet memories.

Harmony Baptist Church didn’t have a choir, just a volunteer songleader. Several men filled that role capably over the years, but I won’t try to name them. I’d surely leave someone out.

Mr. Lee Willaims was Harmony’s most gifted bass singer. His smooth voice could be clearly heard, especially when phrases were echoed through short repetitions. Miss Leola Wilson, a sweet soul who never married, added flavor with superb alto. A small lady with a strong voice, she needed no help. That was fortunate as the rest of us mostly sang also. 

Congregational singing played a prominent role in worship services. Everyone assembled in the sanctuary before Sunday School for a hymn, announcements, and a prayer. Later during church we’d sing four or more songs before the preacher took his turn.

Several verses of the invitation would pause the music until that evening. Baptist Training Union, known as B.T.U., was followed by more singing, preaching, and another invitation. “Oh Why Not Tonight” gave us plenty to think about.  

There were probably a hundred hymns in our regular rotation. Ramona’s selections were in that group, songs like “The Unclouded Day.” Willie Nelson’s theology seems sketchy, but he sounds confident about reaching that “home far beyond the skies.” I hope he gets there and has a guitar instead of a harp.       

“Are You Washed in the Blood?” was a good question in 1878 and still is. Alan Jackson made a splendid recording of that and other old hymns a number of years back. He sang some of his mother’s favorites, a fine gesture by a son who valued where he came from.

“At the Cross” reminded me of standing next to my lifelong friend William Cross in the sanctuary. When “cross” was mentioned in the lyrics, I’d emphasize it with enough volume he would notice but the preacher wouldn’t.  

“Blessed Assurance” is one of more than 8000 songs written by Fanny J. Crosby. She was blind from infancy, yet considered her condition a blessing which kept her from being distracted. Her daunting challenges led to inspiration rather than exasperation.

“When the Morning Comes” has a recurring line that I need to reflect on more often. In a world of alarming disarray it’s a blessing to know, “We will understand it better by and by.” I sure don’t understand it now, but I believe I will someday.

“Sweet Hour of Prayer” offers a comforting reminder. “In seasons of distress and grief my soul has often found relief. And oft escaped the tempter’s snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer.” Amen.

“When We All Get to Heaven” is easy to sing and fun too. It’s not in the current Baptist Hymnal. A theologian probably suggested “all” was misleading, but that’s just a guess. With an 1898 copyright it had a good run. I hope it won’t be forgotten.  

“Sweet By and By” ended the program, but only for a minute. Mary Joyce requested  “The Old Rugged Cross.” It was sung a lot at Harmony, enough so that I remembered it was number 71.

I love those old hymns, but I’m not opposed to new material. Ramona introduced me to “Our Best,” a beautiful melody with a poignant message. “Every work for Jesus will be blest, But He asks from everyone His best. Our talents may be few, These may be small, But unto Him is due Our best, our all.”

It’s number 343 in the green Broadman Hymnal.