Heritage Hymns Podcast artwork

Heritage Hymns Podcast

52 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 6 years ago - ★★★★ - 23 ratings

Heritage Hymns is an insightful, historical journey into the life and times of the gospel hymn writers and the music that forms much of our sacred, traditional, and conservative heritage. Each podcast, less than ten minutes in length, will expose this generation to hymnists like Fanny Crosby, Isaac Watts, P.P. Bliss and countless others. How can we know where we are going without first understanding from whence we came? Thanks for listening!

Music Religion & Spirituality Christianity
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Episodes

He Keeps Me Singing

April 18, 2018 15:19 - 7 minutes - 13 MB

We know that Luther Bridgers wrote it, but history debates the when and the why.  Regardless of such historical detail, we as Bible-believers have all been enjoyed by this joyous anthem.  Hear the story in the episode!  

Hallelujah Chorus

March 28, 2018 16:07 - 11 minutes - 20.4 MB

Bankrupt and on the verge of complete failure "The Messiah" became  reality in but 24 days of musical genius. This is the story of George Frederic Handel in this episode of Heritage Hymns

Christ Arose

March 21, 2018 23:12 - 5 minutes - 10.5 MB

Dr. Robert Lowry did not want to be known as a musician; he wanted to be remembered as a preacher.  However, we remember him as a great hymn writer, and his song is an essential song on a sacred resurrection day.  Hear the story of "Christ Arose" in this episode!

Farther Along

January 31, 2018 20:39 - 10 minutes - 20.1 MB

Were are not really sure who the first believer was to say it out loud, but we have all felt it and thought it.  Why should we worry about the prosperity of those around us?  We are headed to Heaven one day!  This is the story of "Farther Along" in today's episode!  

Great is Thy Faithfulness

January 23, 2018 18:43 - 13 minutes - 25 MB

Only in Christ could a song written about God's faithfulness in Franklin, Kentucky, encourage a missionary couple from Chicago as they gave their lives for Christ in China.  This is the story of "Great is Thy Faithfulness" in today's episode of Heritage Hymns!  

The Old Rugged Cross

January 08, 2018 22:54 - 11 minutes - 21 MB

Do you cherish the old rugged cross?  If you do, you are bound to cherish this great hymn.  Here's the story of George Bennard, the author of "The Old Rugged Cross."  

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

December 08, 2017 13:43 - 11 minutes - 20.2 MB

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow contributed to the American poetic lexicon in a nation-altering way, but he also wrote a hymn sponsored by his private pain.  Here's the story of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" in this episode.

The Love of God

November 22, 2017 16:26 - 10 minutes - 19 MB

The next time you sing this classic the dark hours of your life, think of a Jewish Rabbi who wrote it during the dark ages of genocide, who, as still incomplete, understood something of the love of God.  Here's the story of "The Love of God."  

Grace Greater than our Sin

November 15, 2017 23:56 - 7 minutes - 14.4 MB

Julia Johnstone's life story is the story of the hymn.  Unlike other hymn stories, there is no great circumstance underlying its authorship-- just a  Christian who loved Christ and understood grace.  Listen to the story in today's episode!  

Sweet Hour of Prayer

September 04, 2017 20:10 - 6 minutes - 12 MB

Today’s story is the tale of influence— the influence of a blind, lay preacher in a trinket shop in England…and the influence of a seasoned song writer on a universally-known singer.  This is the story of Sweet Hour of Prayer in today’s episode of Heritage Hymns.    

The Star-Spangled Banner

August 28, 2017 20:05 - 8 minutes - 16.3 MB

We live in an era of Anti-Americanism.   Our flag is trodden under foot,   our history has been revised, and our anthem has come under attack.  Hear the story of Francis Scott Key's authorship of the "Star-Spangled Banner" in this episode.   God bless America! 

No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus

August 15, 2017 16:27 - 11 minutes - 21.5 MB

Charles Weigle overcame the loss of his loved ones by remembering that "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus."  Hear the episode in today's episode!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

August 09, 2017 18:33 - 8 minutes - 15.7 MB

Joseph Scriven was the "Good Samaritan of Port Hope," with the exception that he should have been the victim, but through Christ he became a victor and helper of others. Hear his story in this episode of Heritage Hymns! 

Holy, Holy, Holy

August 01, 2017 21:44 - 10 minutes - 18.7 MB

Reginald Heber never saw the fruits of his devotional labor.  Time with Christ in God's Word produced a song that has long outlived his earthly journey.  Hear the story of "Holy, Holy, Holy" in this episode!  

The Lily of the Valley

June 14, 2017 17:47 - 8 minutes - 15.3 MB

Charles Fry served in the musical battalion of the Salvation Army.  His lasting influence was a hymn that made the streets of London glad.  Hear the story of "The Lily of the Valley in this episode!

Mansion Over the Hilltop

June 07, 2017 16:41 - 5 minutes - 9.67 MB

Just like that nine year old boy in the poor country of Texas, my father is building me a mansion just over the hilltop!  Hear the story in today's episode!

Lord, I'm Coming Home

May 30, 2017 16:16 - 7 minutes - 14.6 MB

William Kirkpatrick was so burdened for a soloist in a conference whom he did not believe knew the Lord.  Hear the story of the soloist's conversion in this episode!  

Draw Me Nearer

May 22, 2017 14:21 - 6 minutes - 11.2 MB

What do you say after watching the sunset?  Fanny Crosby exclaimed, "Draw Me Nearer!"  Hear the story in today's episode.  

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

May 18, 2017 13:38 - 6 minutes - 11.2 MB

Seeking just the right words to give to two friends who had suffered the loss of their wives, Mr. Showalter encouraged them through the words of Dueteronomy 33:27.  Lean on the everlasting arms!   Hear the story in this episode!

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go!

May 10, 2017 14:23 - 6 minutes - 11.7 MB

George Matheson came to understand that Jesus' love never fails.  Friends, family, and fiancées leave us, but God's love will never let us go.  Hear the story in this episode!

Day by Day

May 03, 2017 13:24 - 6 minutes - 11.6 MB

"Day by day and with each passing moment" we learn how wonderful our Father's care is in our lives!  Carolina Sandell Berg would come to sweet assurance in Jesus after the passing of her father.  Hear her story in this episode!

I Shall Know Him (My Savior First Of All)

April 26, 2017 13:41 - 7 minutes - 14 MB

How shall we know Jesus when we get to Heaven?  How would blind Fanny Crosby know the Lord Jesus?  "By the prints of the nails in His hands!"  Hear her story and ours in this episode of Heritage Hymns!

I Surrender All

March 30, 2017 16:14 - 5 minutes - 9.43 MB

Judson Van de Venter was struggling with the will of God. For five long years he resisted, until he waived his white flag of surrender, exclaiming, "I Surrender All!" Hear his story in today's episode of Heritage Hymns!

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus!

March 21, 2017 16:10 - 8 minutes - 16.1 MB

Dudley Tyng uttered a self-destructive prophecy, yet he had lived a life which so exalted the Savior that thousands rallied to Christ's cause after his death.  This is the story of "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus!" in this episode.  

How Great Thou Art

March 15, 2017 14:25 - 10 minutes - 15.1 MB

Although this song is popular in today's culture, you cannot really understand this episode if you do not truly know the Savior of whom the song so eloquently speaks.  From Carl Boberg to Stuart Hine, Christians for almost 150 years have been saying "Amen!" when hearing this awesome anthem!  Hear about its authorship in today's episode of Heritage Hymns!

Take Time to Be Holy

February 21, 2017 17:23 - 6 minutes - 8.62 MB

William Longstaff was a Christian man who wanted to make a difference for Christ.  His life story is primary, and the authorship of his hymn is second. Both are helpful in understanding the Christian hymn, "Take Time to be Holy."  

And Can It Be

February 17, 2017 18:15 - 11 minutes - 16 MB

Charles Wesley was a minister...a struggling rector without a clear testimony of salvation in Christ.  Nothing but amazing love would satisfy the longings of his heart.  Hear the story of "And Can it Be" in this episode of Heritage Hymns!

A Child of the King

February 01, 2017 17:17 - 6 minutes - 8.84 MB

Harriet Buell could not wait for camp meeting!  The expectations she carried in her met with the wondrous truths of salvation in Christ through the preaching of God's Word!  Expectation mingled with manifestation and a great hymn was born!  

Softly and Tenderly

January 11, 2017 16:25 - 10 minutes - 14 MB

Will Lamartine Thompson made a choice: he would only write songs that exalted the Savior.  God used his decision in a world-wide way.  Hear his story in this episode!

O, Little Town of Bethlehem

December 08, 2016 15:14 - 8 minutes - 12.2 MB

Phillips Brooks was a renowned preacher, but in the days of America's Civil War, the fire of was extinguishing in his soul.  However, a trip to Bethlehem kindled the fire long missing.  Hear his story in this episode!

Away in a Manger

December 01, 2016 16:58 - 8 minutes - 12 MB

Who really wrote the Christmas classic?  Find out more in today's episode!  

Thanksgiving Special

November 24, 2016 22:46 - 5 minutes - 7.59 MB

His Eye is on the Sparrow

November 17, 2016 18:06 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MB

Happy Thanksgiving!  Let's give God glory for all of His blessings.  He surely has watched over all of us.  

I Could Not Do Without Thee

November 09, 2016 19:13 - 10 minutes - 19.5 MB

Frances Ridley Havergal gave her all to the Lord Jesus.  Her hymns live centuries beyond their provenance.  When "out of the abundance of her heart" the hymns sprang, God wrote them into the annals of time.  Hear a partial telling of her story and propensity to personal letter to convey a consecrated heart for God in this episode!

It is Well

October 20, 2016 16:59 - 13 minutes - 25.2 MB

Horatio Spafford tasted of life's bitter cup in three particular trials, but for him, it was well with his soul.  Hear his story in this episode!

The Lord's Prayer

September 29, 2016 17:52 - 8 minutes - 15.9 MB

When Jesus spoke upon the Mount of Beatitudes, He provided the disciples with a prayer plan.  Missing the message, they returned again to be taught to pray as were John's disciples.  Finally, Jesus took them to the Garden of Gethsemane to watch real prayer in action.  Hear our pattern of prayer set to music in this episode!

Does Jesus Care?

September 21, 2016 23:51 - 11 minutes - 21.5 MB

Frank Graeff and Charles Weigle found I Peter 5:7 and learned to cast all their cares upon Jesus.  Graeff called and Weigle responded, harmonizing two great gospel songs in one story!

Nearer, My God. to Thee

September 16, 2016 01:50 - 11 minutes - 20.9 MB

Words written in 1840 in the English countryside became the dying eulogy of an American President and were heard on the sinking bow of the Titanic.  This is the story of "Nearer, My God, to Thee."

My Savior's Love

September 07, 2016 18:26 - 10 minutes - 19.9 MB

Charles Gabriel is a name that you may not know, but you certainly know his music.  This Iowan is an irreplaceable part of our hymnology.  Hear his story in today's episode of Heritage Hymns!  

God Leads Us Along

September 03, 2016 01:19 - 9 minutes - 18.1 MB

George A. Young had given his life to Christ.  Living week-to-week was all he and his wife had ever known, but building a small home of their own proved too great an extravagance for some thugs in his community.  Regardless of what he lost, he still realized that "God Leads Us Along."  Hear his story in this episode of "Heritage Hymns."

Amazing Grace

August 23, 2016 16:33 - 12 minutes - 17 MB

John Newton was more than a slave owner between England and Africa, for at one point he was the servant of slaves in Africa.  Yet, by the marvelous grace of Christ, he was saved.  His song would later become one of the most popular songs around the world, sung by saints and sinners alike.  However, only the truly redeemed can understand its true meaning and power.  This is the story of "Amazing Grace" in today's episode of Heritage Hymns.

Come Thou Fount

August 10, 2016 16:56 - 7 minutes - 11 MB

Few songs are as beloved as Robert Robinson's "Come Thou Fount."  Listen to Pastor Cox tell the brief history of Robinson's classic hymn.

10,000 Angels

August 02, 2016 18:37 - 9 minutes - 14.1 MB

Ray Overholt was used of God to write the beloved song "10,000 Angels."  Listen to the fascinating story of how this wonderful song was used to bring its author to Jesus.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

July 19, 2016 16:08 - 9 minutes - 13.3 MB

In 1707 Isaac Watts produced a new hymnal.  This publication served as a pivot-point for church music that still echoes through the pews of our day.  Hear the story of Isaac Watts and his masterful depiction of Calvary, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross!

Ninety and Nine

July 08, 2016 21:46 - 14 minutes - 20.2 MB

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of Ira Sankey.  Ira Sankey was used of God to write the beloved hymn "The Ninety and Nine."

Swing Low Sweet Chariot

June 30, 2016 18:15 - 5 minutes - 6.38 MB

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter Wallace Willis.  Wallace Willis was used of God to write the beloved hymn "Swing Low Sweet Chariot."

In the Garden

June 24, 2016 19:47 - 10 minutes - 12.4 MB

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter C. Austin Miles.  C. Austin Miles was used of God to write the beloved hymn "In the Garden."

Take My Life and Let It Be

June 19, 2016 01:15 - 6 minutes - 8.08 MB

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter Frances R. Havergal.  Frances Havergal was used of God to write the beloved hymn Take My Life and Let It Be.

Doxology

June 12, 2016 01:04 - 7 minutes - 9.27 MB

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter Thomas Ken.  Thomas Ken was used of God to write the beloved hymn "Doxology."

My Faith Looks Up To Thee

June 03, 2016 14:41 - 7 minutes - 8.96 MB

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter Ray Palmer.  Ray Palmer was used of God to write the beloved hymn "My Faith Looks Up To Thee."

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