I was sitting in church Sunday listening to the choir sing a beautiful hymn. The whole congregation was supposed to be singing, but as usual only the choir was singing. This got me to thinking about the little country church I grew up in, and the “old” hymns we sang. Amazing Grace, Love Lifted Me, Hide Me O Rock of Ages, Rescue the Perishing, and many others. When we sang those old hymns we would raise the roof off of that little church! I have not felt blessed like that for a very long time. My theory is the old hymns sounded out of place in the bigger churches in the city. The songs that are sung at the bigger churches sound more angelic, but they make my ears hurt. Sometimes I think of that old commercial about “Is it live or Memorex”? My ears feel like that glass they break during the commercial. Note to music directors try some of the old hymns and see if you can tell any difference. Music Directors are another sore spot with me. Our Music Director was called a Song Leader, and he did not receive a large salary for his time in front of the congregation. His only pay was the satisfaction he received from a job well done. Our Song Leader had another job outside the church that supported his family. Also he was elected once a year, as were all of the positions within the church. The only person who received any pay was the Preacher. No he was not referred to as the Pastor.
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