824 Hear Hymn – #1003 It is Well With My Soul

The Cultural Hall Podcast

Hymn Overview – #1003 It Is Well with My Soul

Author: Horatio G. Spafford (1828-1888)
First Line/Chorus: “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”

Historical Context:

• This hymn has not been a part of previous editions of the LDS hymnbook.
• The hymn was written in 1873 by Horatio G. Spafford, a Presbyterian layman.
• The tune, named “Ville du Havre” after the ship that sank, was composed by Philip Bliss, a well-known hymn writer and Gospel singer.
• The hymn is inspired by Spafford’s personal tragedies, including the loss of his fortune in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the subsequent deaths of his four daughters in the sinking of the S.S. Ville du Havre.

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Commonality Outside LDS Culture: Yes, it is a widely known hymn in various Christian denominations and is often sung during times of distress and funerals.
• Central Theme: The hymn deals with themes of peace and trust in God’s plan despite life’s difficulties. It reflects a deep personal faith and submission to God’s will, even in the face of profound grief.
• Doctrine Taught: Trust in God, peace in Christ, resilience through faith, and the assurance of divine care.
• Criteria for Hymn Selection:
  • Increase faith in and worship of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ: The hymn reflects deep faith in God’s providence.
  • Teach core doctrine with power and clarity: It teaches about finding peace and solace in Christ amidst trials.
  • Invite joyful singing at home and church: While the hymn is often associated with somber occasions, its message of peace can be comforting and uplifting.
  • Comfort the weary and inspire endurance in faith: The hymn is a source of comfort and inspiration, particularly in times of personal loss and hardship.
  • Unify Latter-day Saints and others worldwide: Its universal message of faith and trust can resonate with a broad audience.

Inclusion Rationale

• Reason for Inclusion: While this hymn has not been in previous LDS hymnbooks, its powerful message and widespread recognition make it a valuable addition. Its themes align with the core values of comfort, faith, and resilience, which are central to the LDS faith.
• Reintroduction: Not applicable as this hymn has not been in previous versions.

Impact and Reception

• Community Reactions: As the hymn has not yet been included in the LDS hymnbook, there is no specific feedback from the LDS community. However, its universal message and familiarity in broader Christian contexts suggest it would be well received.
• Potential Impact: This hymn could have a significant impact on worship services, offering comfort and a sense of solidarity during times of personal and communal trials.

Additional Notes

• Interesting Facts: The hymn was penned during Spafford’s voyage to meet his grieving wife after the loss of their daughters. His ability to express such profound faith in the midst of personal tragedy has inspired countless others.
• The melody was specifically composed by Phillip Paul Bliss for the lyrics and was named Ville du Havre, after the stricken vessel carrying the Spafford family.
• Personal Stories: Including testimonies from church members who have found solace in this hymn could enhance its relevance and emotional impact.

Multimedia Elements (Optional)

• Performances: Links to performances of “It Is Well with My Soul” from the LDS Gospel Library or other approved sources.
• Visuals: Images related to the hymn’s history, such as pictures of the S.S. Ville du Havre or portraits of Horatio G. Spafford.

Sources

• Kenneth W. Osbeck, Hymn Stories (1982), for the historical context and details of the tragedies that inspired the hymn​​.
• Additional information on the hymn’s background and Spafford’s biography from various hymnology sources.

It Is Well with My Soul: A Hymn of Unshakable Faith

Horatio G. Spafford, a prosperous young lawyer from Chicago, seemed to have it all. His life was characterized by a thriving legal practice, a loving family, and a strong Christian faith. Among his friends were notable evangelists, including Dwight L. Moody, a fellow Chicagoan who would leave a lasting impact on the Christian world.

But Horatio’s life took a devastating turn. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire consumed much of the city, and with it, Spafford’s substantial real estate investments along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. His fortune evaporated overnight. As if echoing the trials of Job, Spafford’s young son had died shortly before the fire, compounding his grief. But the most heart-wrenching chapter of his life was yet to unfold.

Seeking a respite for his weary family and intending to join Moody in his evangelistic campaigns in Great Britain, Horatio planned a European trip for his wife and four daughters in 1873. Unexpected business delays forced him to stay behind in Chicago, but he sent his family ahead, expecting to follow shortly.

Tragedy struck on November 22 when the S.S. Ville du Havre, the ship carrying his family, was struck by an English vessel and sank within twelve minutes. Days later, Spafford received a heart-wrenching telegram from his wife, Anna, which read, “Saved alone.” All four of their daughters had perished in the disaster.

Overwhelmed with grief, Horatio set sail to join his bereaved wife. As his ship passed near the spot where his daughters had died, Spafford was inspired to write the hymn that would resonate with millions: “It Is Well with My Soul.” The opening lines capture his profound faith amidst unimaginable sorrow:

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”

Despite his personal tragedies, Spafford’s faith remained unshaken. He and Anna had more children—another daughter, Bertha, born in 1878, and a son, Horatio, born in 1880, who tragically died of scarlet fever. After the birth of their daughter Grace in 1881, the Spaffords moved to Jerusalem, drawn by a deep spiritual connection to the Holy Land. There, they established the American Colony, a utopian society dedicated to philanthropy among Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

The Colony thrived for decades, engaging in benevolent activities and fostering a spirit of unity among different faiths. In the 1950s, it transformed into the American Colony Hotel, playing a significant role in the peace talks between Palestine and Israel, which led to the Oslo Peace Accords of 1983.

Cultural and Religious Significance

“It Is Well with My Soul” transcends the boundaries of its origin, being a beloved hymn across various Christian denominations. Its themes of peace and trust in God’s plan resonate deeply, offering comfort and solace during times of distress and mourning. The hymn’s central message is one of unwavering faith and submission to God’s will, no matter the circumstances.

Inclusion in the LDS Hymnbook

While “It Is Well with My Soul” has not been included in previous editions of the LDS hymnbook, its powerful message and widespread recognition make it a valuable addition. The hymn aligns perfectly with the LDS Church’s criteria for hymn selection:

• Increasing faith in and worship of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ: The hymn reflects deep trust in God’s providence.
• Teaching core doctrine with power and clarity: It conveys the peace that comes from faith in Christ.
• Inviting joyful singing at home and church: While often associated with solemn occasions, its message can be uplifting and comforting.
• Comforting the weary and inspiring endurance in faith: It serves as a source of comfort and inspiration in times of personal loss and hardship.
• Unifying Latter-day Saints and others worldwide: Its universal message of faith and trust can resonate with a broad audience.

Impact and Reception

The hymn, with its universal appeal and profound message, is likely to be well-received within the LDS community. Its inclusion in worship services can provide comfort and a sense of solidarity, especially during challenging times.

This poignant story was featured by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square during their annual Christmas concert, with actor Hugh Bonneville narrating the tale of Spafford and his family’s trials. The powerful performance left audiences deeply moved, highlighting the enduring impact of Spafford’s faith and resilience.

https://youtu.be/ReApJymYSiw?si=NBj05KnCyEq_Bf-p&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

More than Just a Hymn

“It Is Well with My Soul” is more than just a hymn; it is a story of faith triumphing over tragedy. Horatio Spafford’s legacy, encapsulated in this powerful hymn, continues to inspire and comfort millions around the world. Its inclusion in the LDS hymnbook will undoubtedly enrich worship experiences, offering a poignant reminder of the peace that faith in God can bring, even in the midst of life’s fiercest storms. The touching narrative shared by Hugh Bonneville at the Tabernacle Choir’s Christmas concert underscores the timeless relevance of this hymn’s message.

The post 824 Hear Hymn – #1003 It is Well With My Soul appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.