Amazing Grace

Most of us know the song. Some know all the lyrics, some the first verse, and some just a few words. How many of us know the history of the song? Amazing Grace is said to be a song about redemption and forgiveness. It’s believed the song’s author, John Newton, used his personal experience to inspire the song. Newton was born in London 1725. His father was a shipping merchant and his mother died when he was just six of tuberculosis. By age 11, he joined his father on a ship and eventually he became a slave trader. He was known to have exceptionally profane language for a sailor and even made up several crude words. While at sea, Newton experienced a particularly violent storm where they were expecting to capsize. He begged for God’s forgiveness and when they safely made it through the storm, Newton began contemplating his relationship with God. Over time, Newton left the slave trade, cleaned up his language, became an abolitionist, a Church of England Priest, and a writer of hymns. The song itself is a testament to Newton’s journey and how he was able to find forgiveness.

This song was published in 1779 and has become iconic among both religious and secular audiences. Our chorale will be opening with Amazing Grace for our Fall concert themed “Lost and Found”.

-JL