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Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Notes compiled by Rachelle Navarro Also: The author of this hymn text is known to us only as “K.” The text first appeared in 1787 in Selection of Hymns published by Dr. John Rippon, pastor of Carter’s Lane Baptist Church in London, England. Some hymnologists have speculated that R. Keene, the director of music at Dr. Rippon’s church, authored the text, as later reprints acknowledge “Kn” and “Keen” as the writer. An American edition of the hymnal was published in 1820, and the text became widely used in all the states during the Civil War period. Historical background on lyrics/music: “How Firm a Foundation” was sung at the funerals of American Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. The hymn was also a favorite of President Andrew Jackson’s wife, Deborah. It was also Gen. Robert E. Lee’s favorite hymn. In 1536 Calvin wrote, “First, we affirm that we desire to follow Scripture alone as the rule of faith and religion, without mixing with it any other thing which might be devised by the opinion of men apart from the Word of God, and without wishing to accept for our spiritual government any other doctrine than what is conveyed to us by the same Word without addition or diminution, according to the command of our Lord”. A personal note regarding the composer/arranger: Joseph Funk was a pioneer American music teacher, publisher, and one of the first American composers. He published seven books and periodicals. One of which was titled, “A Collection of Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs” – in 1847. Giving spiritual content/context of the piece to the choir: The first stanza establishes the Word of God as our faith being a firm foundation. This truth being so firm that the author asks “What more can He say to you?” The remaining four stanzas are great promises that God has given us through Scripture to comfort us. “As each promise (Isa. 41:10, Isa. 43:2, 2 Cor. 12:9 and Heb. 13:5) unfolds, we are given cumulative evidence of God’s faithfulness to us that bursts into the exclamation of stanza 5”. -Norma de Waal Malefyt Musical things to consider in rehearsal: Before rehearsal, the history of the song can be shared with the choir to give more meaning, depth, and understanding of the hymn to the people. They’ll sing it with more heart that way. Comments about using this piece in the context of worship: This hymn may be connected with scripture from Matthew 7:24-29:
Then end the connection with an encouraging scripture:
It may also connect with a contemporary song, “Rock of Ages” by Rita Baloche. It speaks of Jesus being our rock. He is our firm foundation. There is no rock The Rock of salvation that cannot be moved |
