Old School & New School African American Renditions Of The Gospel Song "Sing To The Power Of The Lord Comes Down"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents several YouTube videos of old school and new school African American renditions of the Gospel song "Sing To The Power Of The Lord Comes Down".

Standard lyrics for this song are given in this post along with selected comments from some of these video's discussion threads.

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composer of this song and the arrangers of the renditions that are embedded in this post. Thanks to all those who are featured in these YouTube examples. Thanks also to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/03/five-examples-of-sing-to-power-of-lord.html for a 2013 pancocojams post that showcases five different examples of African American choirs singing the Gospel song "Sing To The Power Of The Lord Comes Down".

"Old school" is a usually complimentary adjective for something (or someone) from the past. "New School" means "contemporary".

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LYRICS- SING TO THE POWER OF THE LORD COMES DOWN
(composer ?)

(Chorus)
(Now let us sing): Sing til the power of the Lord comes down
(Now let us sing): Sing til the power of the Lord comes down
(Lift up your head): Lift up your head
(Don't be afraid): Don't be afraid
(Now let us sing): Sing til the power of the Lord comes down

Verse 1:
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see

Repeat Chorus

Verse 2:
Must Jesus bear the cross alone, and all the world go free
No there's a cross for everyone, and there's a cross for me

Repeat Chorus and end as directed

Source: http://lwscchoir.blogspot.com/2009/06/god-is.html
-snip-
The composer of this song is usually given as "unknown". This song combines the chorus with lyrics from the Christian hymn "Amazing Grace".

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SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: First Church Of Deliverance - Sing Til The Power The Lord Comes Down



fcdchicago, Mar 7, 2011
-snip-
The beginning of this YouTube video shows a choir procession from the back of the sanctuary to the choir stands. The choir marches in with their right hand raised.

This church is in Chicago, Illinois. The 2013 pancocojams post about "Sing To The Power Of The Lord Comes Down" (whose link is give above) includes a song file of this choir singing this song.
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
1. fcdmusician, 2011
"The right hand lifted when marching in the choir at First Deliverance represent and lifted mind. My name is Marcus and I'm the choir Director and a member for over 40 years."

**
REPLY
2. Azizi Powell, 2020
@fedmusician, I know it's been 8 years since you wrote this comment, but I wanted to thank you for your ministry and also thank you for including information about the meaning of the custom of the choir marching in procession with their right hand raised. I remember (and participated in ) church processions at my Baptist church in Atlantic City, New Jersey. That church still has choir processions, but we didn't march with our right hands lifted up.

In case you or others who read this know the answers to these questions, I'm wondering if the First Deliverance Church choirs still march into the sanctuary, and do they still march with their right hand lifted up?

God bless!

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Video #2: Sing Till The Power of the Lord Comes Down



Marvin Williams, Mar 1, 2019

When I was growing up, the senior choir at my home church used to sing this. When learning to play, I learned from everyone. Mrs. Rosie Jones was our pianist on second and fourth Sunday’s, and she played for Pilgrim Rest on first and third Sunday’s. I’m grateful for my experience and everyone from whom I gleaned. Piano Rose was so sweet, and encouraged me when I started to play. The senior choir used to sing this as Mrs. Marthetta Dickerson and Mattie Mash took the lead.
-snip-
Here are two comments from this video's discussion thread:
1. Bishop Young, 2019
"Love that Piano Rose old school style! Simple and so meaningful!"

**
2. Tara Grant-Askew, 2020
"You bettah sang Sir!!!"

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Video #3: Sing Till The Power Of The Lord Come Down - Kanye West Sunday Service

TTN Jamaica - The Truth Net, Oct 20, 2019

Sunday Service
Kingston, Jamaica
-snip-
1. Matt Webb, 2020
"EVERYTHING about this is straight FIRE!!!!! I could listen to it on loop all day!"

**
REPLY
2. Ess Dee3, 2019
"My favorite! I Experienced Sunday Service in Baton Rouge, La. last night, and I was in heaven when they sang this."

**
REPLY
3. LeVar Freeman, 2019
LeVar Freeman
3 months ago
Fire blazing!!

**
4. GANG GANG GANG, 2019
"STRAIGHT UP HOLY GHOST FIRE! !!!!"

REPLY
5. Joey Schimpf, 2019
"Amen brother"

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Seven YouTube Examples Of The Christian Song "Will Your Anchor Hold" (also known as "We Have An Anchor That Keeps The Soul")

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases seven ways that the Christian song "Will Your Anchor Hold?" (also known as "We Have An Anchor" and "We Have An Anchor That Keeps The Soul") is sung throughout the world.

Lyrics to two examples of this song are also included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composer/s of this song. Thanks also to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.

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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
I wasn't familiar with this song until I happened upon it in the video that is given as Example #6 below. From a comment published in the discussion thread for Example #4, it appears that "We Have An Anchor" (or a similar title) is the theme song of the boys' organization known as "The Boys' Brigade".

I wonder how well this hymn or any of its gospelized versions are known in the United States, particularly in African American churches that don't have a large number of Caribbean members.

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SHOWCASE YOUTUBE EXAMPLES
These examples are given in chronological order based on their publishing date with the oldest dated example given first.

Example #1: Boys' Brigade - Will Your Anchor Hold



brawladdie1, Published on Oct 17, 2010

Many a Scots lad was kept on the straight and narrow through the turbulent years of adolescence and beyond, thanks to the Boys' Brigade. Its decent values of truthfulness, self-discipline, clean living, self-improvement, duty and cameraderie, and respect for elders lasted until the egotistical, hedonistic sixties made all that appear uncool."...

Words: Priscilla Jane Owens
Music: William James Kirkpatrick, 1882

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.

Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave and the wild winds blow,
Shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow?

Will your eyes behold through the morning light,
The city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore
When life's storms are past for evermore?
-snip-
Here's information about the Boys' Brigade from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boys%27_Brigade
"The Boys' Brigade (BB) is an international interdenominational Christian youth organisation, conceived by Sir William Alexander Smith to combine drill and fun activities with Christian values.[2] Following its inception in Glasgow in 1883, the BB quickly spread across the United Kingdom and became a worldwide organisation by the early 1890s.[3] As of 2018, there were 750,000 Boys' Brigade members in 60 countries.[1]"...
-snip-
"We Have An Anchor" may be an official or unofficial theme song for the Boys Brigade. Here's a comment about the Boys' Brigade and the song "We Have An Anchor" from the discussion thread for the sound file that is given as Example #4 below:
bobwilsonanchormanm 2014
"My Dad was in the Boys Brigade, I was in the Boys Brigade my son is now in the Boys Brigade, that is our hymn. And that is an absolutely fantastic version of my favourite hymn."

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Example #2: 7th London Boys Brigade sing We have an anchor



Clint Scott, Published on Apr 8, 2012

The 7th London Boys Brigade sing We have an anchor on the third day of our 2012 annual conference

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Example #3: Spiritual Baptist from St Vincent (Caribbean Island)



Andres Quow, Published on May 2, 2012

Leader Andrez Thanksgiving(Mother Amoy on the Field singing''We Have an anchor that keeps our soul''.
-snip-
In 2018 Craig Tuckett posted the same lyrics to "We Have An Anchor" that are given after Example #1 above in this video's discussion thread. 

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Example #4: WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD - We Have An Anchor That Keeps The Soul - Gloria Bailey - Original



OLD TIME ANOINTED GOSPEL MUSIC, Published on May 23, 2013

Henry's Record - 60's Jamaican Gospel - We own all of Gloria Bailey's songs-

Produced by https://wesleyhenryproductions.com/

Will Your Anchor Hold?

Lyrics
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?

Chorus
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.

It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand,
For 'tis well secured by the Savior's hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.

It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o'erflow.

It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.

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Example #5: Jerald Dorsett - Will Your Anchor Hold?



franchisemiami, Published on Jul 20, 2015

Recorded by Aaron Fishbein at The Franchise in Miami, Florida.

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Example #6: We Have An Anchor



First United Tabernacle International Ministries, Published on Nov 26, 2016 [Orange, New Jersey]

31st Pastoral Appreciation Celebration, Nov. 13, 2016
-snip-
The choir and church congregation repeatedly sing the chorus of "We Have An Anchor" that is given above in this post while they march in a processional during a church offering.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2018/06/bethel-apostolic-church-jamaica-hold-on.html for a pancocojams that showcases the videos of Jamaican church offering processionals that are very similar to this one.

Also, click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/03/two-videos-of-new-jersey-church-choir.html for a pancocojams post that includes another video of First United Tabernacle International Ministries performing a "march around" during a church offering. That post includes the same video that is shown above and my recollection of an African American church offering processional (march around) at another New Jersey church.

Here's a comment exchange that is found in that video's discussion thread:
Sharon Rose, 2017
"Where is this church"

**
REPLY
Azizi Powell, 2019
"@Sharon Rose, according to Google search, First United Tabernacle International Ministries is located at 425 S Jefferson St, City of Orange, NJ 07050. Orange, New Jersey is near Newark, New Jersey and New York City (USA).

My guess is that this church was either founded by Jamaicans or has a lot of Jamaican members."

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Example #7: We have an Anchor by Thapelo ka Thapelo



iSambulo TV Africa, Published on Apr 14, 2017 [South Africa]

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Five Examples Of The African American Religious Song "Jesus Is A Rock In A Weary Land"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases examples of the African American Spiritual/Gospel song "Jesus Is A Rock In A Weary Land".

I categorize these examples as gospelized* arrangements of a Spiritual.

Lyrics for this song are included in this post. The tune for many of these examples is the same tune that is used for "Joshua Fit the Battle Of Jericho". ("Fit" here means "fought.")

The content of this post is presented for religious and cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composer/s and arrangers of this song and thanks to all those who are featured in these embedded examples. Thanks also to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.
-snip-
*By "gospelized song" I mean a song that is based on an African American Spiritual and sung in an African American Gospel style.

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LYRICS: JESUS IS A ROCK IN A WEARY LAND
Example #1:
"CHORUS
Jesus is a rock in a weary land!
A weary land! A weary land!
Jesus is a rock in a weary land,
A shelter in the time of storm!
[repeat]

(sopranos)
I would not be a sinner,
I’ll tell you the reason why
I’m afraid my Lord might call my name
And I wouldn’t be ready to die.

CHORUS

(tenors)
I would not be a backslider,
I’ll tell you the reason why
I’m afraid my Lord might call my name
And I wouldn’t be ready to die

He is a rock!
In a weary land!
He is a rock!
In a weary land!
He is a rock!
In a weary land!
A shelter in the time of storm!

Has He ever made a way, when you didn’t have a dime?
Has He ever stepped in just right on time?
Has He ever picked you up when you were down?
Has He ever placed your feet on solid ground?
Then you know He is a rock in a weary land!
Weary land! Weary land!
Then you know He is a rock in a weary land!
Shelter in the time of storm!
[repeat all as directed]

Source: http://web.mit.edu/mitgoscho/www/lyrics/Jesus%20is%20a%20Rock.pdf

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ADDITIONAL LYRIC EXAMPLES FOR AND COMMENTS ABOUT "JESUS IS A ROCK IN A WEARY LAND" [added July 1, 2018 5:40 PM EDT]
From https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=17722
1. "Subject: ADD: My God He Is a Rock
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Feb 00 - 09:02 PM

Well, I was hoping somebody had this typed up already. Here's a transcription. Alison, did you say you can post a tune?
-Joe Offer-

MY GOD, HE IS A ROCK
(believed to be traditional)
CHORUS:
My God, he is a rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land.
My God, he is a rock in a weary land,
Shelter in a time of storm.

Stop! Let me tell you about Chapter One,
When the Lord God's work had just begun.

Stop! Let me tell you about Chapter Two,
When the Lord God read the Bible through.

Stop! Let me tell you about Chapter Three,
When the Lord my God died on Calvary.
CHORUS

Stop! Let me tell you about Chapter Four,
When the Lord God lived among the poor.

Stop! Let me tell you about Chapter Five,
When the Lord God brought the dead alive.

Stop! Let me tell you about Chapter Six,
When he went to Jerusalem, he healed the sick.
CHORUS

Stop! Let me tell you about Chapter Seven,
When the Lord God died and went to heaven.

Stop! Let me tell you about Chapter Eight,
When the Lord, he stood at the pearly gate.

Stop! Let me tell you about Chapter Nine,
When the Lord God changed the water to wine.

Stop! Let me tell you about Chapter Ten,
Well, the Lord my God, he's a-comin' again."
CHORUS

(transcribed from "Sara," an album by Sara Gray)
JRO

**
2. "Subject: Lyr Add: A SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM
From: Nathan in Texas
Date: 11 Feb 00 - 10:31 PM

Here's a related hymn that I grew up with. You can hear the tune at the Cyberhymnal site.
A Shelter in the Time of Storm

Words: Vernon J. Charlesworth, circa 1880.
Music: Ira David Sankey, circa 1885

The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A shelter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night,
A shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain
The raging storms may round us beat,
A shelter in the time of storm
We'll never leave our safe retreat,
A shelter in the time of storm.

Refrain
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain"

**
3. "Subject: RE: Lyr Req: My God He Is a Rock
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 02 Dec 03 - 11:10 AM

Hey, Joe:

We sing this in our Men's Chorus... at least a version of it. except it is:

Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a weary land, a weary land
Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm

And then there is a half spoken section:

Has he ever made a way when you didn't have a dime?
Has he ever stepped in just right on time?
Has he ever picked you up when you were down?
Has he ever placed your feet on solid ground

And then you go into:

Then you know he is a rock in a weary land....

The song ends with the choir singing parts and answering each other, basically singing:

Jesus is a rock, and he is my shelter in the time of storm
Yeah!, in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm

Our Chorus Director grew up in Mississippi and many of the songs we do are remembered from his childhood. Most are different than any texts I find in books..

Jerry"
-snip-
As a former blogger on this Mudcat forum, I can document from information shared on that forum that Jerry Rasmussen is/was the only White member of this Gospel group. The other members are/were African American.

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SHOWCASE EXAMPLES:
These examples are presented based on their publishing date on YouTube with the oldest dated example given first. The example given as is the "traditional" rendition of this song.

Example #1: Jesus Is A Rock by The Georgia Mass Choir [sound file]



robbieatnsudotcom, Published on Jan 14, 2010

Hello everyone and Happy New Year. This video I've posted comes from down south, Georgia to be exact. I have The Georgia Mass Choir's "Jesus Is a Rock" from their CD "Greatest Hits" compiled back in 1996. This song is definitely a Southern Gospel song, made for those who like to have that good ol' fashioned church music. I do not own this music, nor am I seeking publicity or monetary gains. The lyrics are on the video for those who want to follow or learn the song. And if there are any requests, I will try to upload one for you. Take care and God Bless!!

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Example #2: Jesus Is A Rock In A Weary Land



First United Tabernacle International Ministries, Published on Apr 7, 2016

Men's Conference 2016
Sunday Morning Divine Worship Service
March 20th
-snip-
This video shows some members of First United Tabernacle International Ministries singing during a processional during the Sunday morning worship service. First United Tabernacle International Ministries is an Apostolic church in Orange, New Jersey. Orange is located in northern New Jersey, which is about 1/2 hour by car from New York City.

Based on other videos of this church, my guess is that this processional was during the church offering. Click the Black Church Processions for additional videos of this worship custom.

Unfortunately, as of this date, there are no comments in this video's discussion thread.
-snip-
The choir/congregation sings the refrain to this song numerous times:

Jesus is a rock in a weary land,
a weary land, a weary land;
My Jesus is a rock in a weary land,
a shelter in the time of storm.

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Example #3: Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land (SATB) - Mark Hayes



The Lorenz Corporation, Published on Jun 2, 2016

Hang on tight, because once this one starts, it doesn’t stop! Appropriate for a wide variety of settings, Mark Hayes’s arrangement of the traditional spiritual is full of energy, drive, and varied call-and-response sections that will create and maintain excitement.

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Example #4: Jesus Is A Rock In A Weary Land - David W. Carter Choir



Dallas ISD, Published on Jan 18, 2017

David W. Carter Choir directed by Demetrius Ethley including the Vocal Ensemble I, II, Men's Choir, Mixed Choir, and the Women's Choir.
"Jesus Is A Rock In A Weary Land" lyrics Vernon J. Charlesworth, circa 1880, music Ira D. Sankey, circa 1885.

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Example #5: "Jesus Is A Rock In The Weary Land" Anthony Brown w/ Young Adult Choir (amazing)



Inside FBCG, Published on Feb 25, 2017

First Baptist Church of Glenarden, http://fbcglenarden.org
Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. @JKJenkins
-snip-
In the introduction to this song, the choir director repeated used the phrase "brought us over" (as in "songs that brought us over"). I think that phrase means "brought us through"- helped us persevere.)

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Abiezer Pentecostal Church Choir (Toronto, Canada) Offertory March - "I'm Riding On The Hallelujah Train"

Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest update: Octl 16, 2021

This pancocojams post is part of an ongoing series on Black church processionals in Africa, the Jamaica, the United States, and in Canada.

This pancocojams post showcases a video of the Abiezer Pentecostal church choir (Toronto, Canada) marching during a church offering while singing "singing "I'm Riding On The Hallelujah Train".

The song's lyrics are included in this post along with selected comments from this video's discussion thread.

The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, and spiritual purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composer/s of this song and thanks to the singers and musicians who performed this music. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on YouTube.

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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S COMMENTS [updated June 30, 2018)
I have been interested in the subject of Black church processionals for some time. The earliest pancocojams posts on this topic is Part I of a four part 2011 pancocojams series on "Marching For Jesus" http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2011/11/marching-for-jesus-black-church.html.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2018/06/bethel-apostolic-church-jamaica-hold-on.html for a June 2018 post on this topic is entitled "Bethel Apostolic Church, Jamaica - "Hold On Out" (Church Processional Videos & Song Lyrics)". And click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2018/06/seven-videos-of-african-church.html-church.html for a June 2018 pancocojams post entitled "Seven Videos Of African Church Congregations' Offertory Processions (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, & Kenya)".

I decided to search for YouTube videos on African church congregations' offertory processions as a result of reading several YouTube discussion thread comments that attributed the custom and/or styles of Black church offertory marches to Africa.

The result of my search certainly indicates that there are examples of African congregation offertory processions. However, I'm not sure whether Christian church offertory processions those customs originated in Africa . However, these dance/marches conform to the traditional high value that Africans place/d upon the performance of rhythmic movements and singing in all aspects of life, including religion. Furthermore, it seems to me that African church processionals may also be expressions of Africans' love for pagentry.

Also, I believe that Black church offertory processions and other church processions in Africa may have also been influenced by the customs and particular styles of those processions- particularly the performance styles in the Pentecostal and Apostolic congregations in Jamaica.

Read my comments in the comment section for the pancocojams post entitled "Bethel Apostolic Church -Jamaica- "Hold On Out" post" whose link is given above. Those comments present the theories that circular dancing/marching in Black religious worship may have originated in Islamic "saut" ceremonies and/or the Bakongo (Central African) Cosmograph.

Any information and comments on the subject of Black church processions are welcome.

Also, if you know of other YouTube videos of Black offertory processions, please share the links to those videos in the comment section below. Thanks!

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SHOWCASE VIDEO: Offering time @ Abiezer (View the choir in action)



1baw2009, Published on Apr 13, 2009

Abiezer Pentecostal Church: 96 Milvan Drive Toronto, Canada--It's offering time @ Abiezer (This is how we do it every Sunday.)
-snip-
This is the only Black Canadian church processional video that I've found on YouTube. If you know of any other Black Canadian church processional videos, please share their links in the comment section below. Thanks!

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LYRICS

[portion of the song DON'T YOU HEAR THEM BELLS

Chorus: 1
Dont you hear the bells are ringing?
Dont you hear the angels singing?
Its the glory, hallelujah, jubilee.
In the land of sweet forever, just beyond the shining river, they will ring the golden bells for you and me.

[portion of the song]
I'M RIDING IN THE HALLELUJAH TRAIN
Chorus: 2
Im riding with Jesus, on the Alleluia Train
Im singing, Im shouting on the Alleluia Train
And when I reach the station, Heaven is my destination
Im riding with Jesus, on the Alleluia train
-snip-
These lyrics were published by 1baw 2009 in the discussion thread for the video that is showcased in this post. According to one of his or her comments in this discussion, 1baw2009 is "not in any of the videos" [but does] "the recording, editing and posting" for the videos.

I spelled the word "Hallelujah" that way instead of "Alleluia" as that is the standard way that it is spelled in the United States.


****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD.
These comments are given in relative chronological order with the oldest comments given first, except for replies. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
1. TO ON, 2009
"the spirit of God reigns. a church that engages its people is a church that truly challenges every fiber of ones belief. praises is one such example. kudos to the choir. !!"

**
2. csneed02, 2010
""I need words." PLEASE
This is awesome! They dance like this is Africa when they give. Maybe if we do this in our Church the people will look forward to giving time."

**
3. 1baw2009, 2010
"I don't know if there is a defined theory behind this (marching at offering time). I need to think about it."

**
4. Tarahan Mackey, 2010
"I watch this EVERYDAY. I must be insane. lol"

**
REPLY
5. 1baw2009, 2010
"@killertyann No, you are not insane. I am delighted that you and other viewers enjoy this. To be honest, initially, I debated whether or not to post this clip, because it is so different from the choir singing and from the Praise & Worship Service videos. Nonetheless, I am happy that I did post; this clip is well received. To God be the glory. Please continue praying for our young people that God will keep them saved and humble."
-snip-
Notice that the commenter's name has changed. This probably was as a result of YouTube's push around that time to have commenters use full names instead of screen names.

**
6. Dannie Jackson, 2010
"I'm glad to see other apostolics online...im apart of the PAW"
-snip-
"PAW" = Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

**
REPLY
7. 1baw2009, 2010
"Yes, there are a few apostolics online. I have a few friends who fellowship with PAW; we share the same doctrine and beliefs. God bless you."

**
8. 1baw2009, 2010
"I don't know if there is a defined theory behind this (marching at offering time). I need to think about it."

**
9. leona foster, 2010
"I love the old time worship and the old old songs such as this one. If you want to reach the Lord, just sing the old hymms."

**
10. Cheryl Williams, 2010
"Marching up the King's Highway!!! Hallelujah!"

**
11. shadhom, 2010
"This is very unique, precise individual movements in time with the choir as a body, not for the faint of heart with a lot of physcial problems, although good excercise for some, while praising the Lord."

**
12. IsaiahRaymondDyer09, 2010
"OH YES MARCH & RIDE ZION! MARCH & RIDE! I LOVE this!!! GLORYYYYYYYYYYY!!"

**
13. lovejones238, 2011
"I must say I was like why am I watching this over & over then finally realized, I began to feel this just like the saints on the video were, as we say where I'm from, "they began to feel it" and so did I ..great post...I love the energy."

**
14. Marshalee Ricketts, 2011
"bLESS THE LORD AM RIDING WIT JESUS AN THE HALALUJAH TRAIN,THANK YOU JESUS HEAVEN WILL BE MY DESTINATION. THIS WHAT REALLY WORSHIP IS "

**
15. IsaiahRaymondDyer09, 2011
"LUJAH!! Mi luv dah wun deh!!! HALLELUJAH TRAIN!! GLORY!!"

**
16. Trey Cox, 2012
"I remember coming to Abiezer as a child and seeing the choir do this same march around! Simply Awesome, glory to God, and i love the songs, the choir rock is classic! Go Ahead!!!"

**
17. NYCsistahofvirtue, 2012
"march march march saints unward christian soldiers!"

**
18. precious lor, 2012
"Go Abiezer Choir. Let no one or nothing steal this joy that the Lord has given to you all. Love you all. Missionary Nichole at her best, go ahead praise Lady!!!"

**
19. John Blackwood, 2012
"This church must be Jamaican background!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I could hear the bass player a little bit more thou! If I go to Canada.. I must find this church , where ever y'all are. GOD BLESS THIS CHURCH! AND THE CHOIR!!!!!!!"

**
20. abbi johnson, 2012
"praise jesus !!!!!!!!!!!! been listening to this clip for about a year no and it never fails to revive my spirit hallelujah "

**
21. Tonya Anderson, 2012
"This is what church is all about... giving GOD your all!!! I was truly blessed by this video."

**
22. desmarie spence, 2012
"This is how we do it in Holiness Born Again in Jamaica."

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23. Mo W, 2013
"Its obvious that this church is jamaican .. The TRAIN!!!!!!!! HALELLUJAH TRAIN iM RUNNING JESUS ON THE HALELLUJAH TRAIN !!!!!"

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24. Tiffi, 2013
"I feel the Jamaican in this church"

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25. Sashagaye mannings, 2013
"i have never seen such a march i loooooooveeeeeee it


I loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove this marching!"

**
26. MJQ7688, 2013
"I was just thinking that about this church being Jamaican! They got DOWN!"

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27.Margaret Mcpherson, 2016
"these saints just know how to trample on them serpents and demons, the action is so important keep on fighting and trampling them forces"

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28. ddoddy76, 2016
"ok no offense .....but what was the point?"

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REPLY
29. Miya Henry, 2016
"They make it seems they are marching into heaven... must pentecostal church do this to have a mind set of how they will be like in heaven. I don't know if I'm right but it's my idea"

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REPLY
30. Roy Pritchard, 2016
"Yes, Miya Henry. Amen! Church of GOD march forward in the power of THE HOLY GHOST. Amen! Thank YOU, JESUS 😃"

**
REPLY
31. Makita Wilson, 2017
"Hey Ms.Henry you are 100% correct..the act of them physically marching signifies unity and strength in Jesus' name. The way they marched with such precision and power was the anointing of God on them. People don't always have to run around and speak in tongues lol..you can concentrate that power into something else"

**
32. KRISSY MCINTOSH, 2017
"This church reminds me of my church, keep praising God. Im talking about Bethel Born Again Apostolic on Oakland Road in Jamaica, thats how we worship on a Sunday morning. Love u Pastor Yvonne Codner and Bishop Barracks"

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33. Vito Motola, 2017
"giving a offering is a type of worship to Jesus."

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34. Mo W, 2018
"I think churcejs need to go back to the way we used to worship just like this. Marching and all why not? You can dance for the world you can dance for God. I get such a great vibe from this all these yrs later"

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35. Lisa Jackson, 2018
"What happened to church..."

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REPLY
36. Jessica Woods, 2018
"Lisa Jackson Nothing... Listen to the music it's Jamaican. African churches also worship in a similar manner. I think Black Americans would do close to the same if we didn't integrated."

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37. ItsKayTho, 2018
"I remember a church I attended, the whole choir would come down circle the church, turn around and go back up the offering aisle. & they took their time too! I love this choir’s energy"

**
28. after7pm, 2018
"Y'all Better MARCH ON IN..💘"

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African American & Jamaican Examples Of The Gospel Song "Won't It Be Grand" (with lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases five African American examples and two Jamaican examples of the Gospel song "Won't It Be Grand". Lyrics for this song are also included in this post.

I've not been able to find any information online about the composer/s of this song or which was the first group to record it and when. Any information would be greately appreciated.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composer/s of this song and thanks to all singers and musicians who are featured in these examples. Thanks also to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.

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LYRICS
(as sung by The Consolers)

Chorus:
Won't it be grand.
Won't it be grand.
Won't it grand.
Won't it be grand.
I'm going home to live with Jesus.
Won't it be grand.

I think I'll say it again.
Won't it be grand.
Won't it be grand.
Won't it grand.
Won't it be grand.
I'm going home to live with Jesus.
Won't it be grand.

Verse #1:
Listen children
When I get through singing down here.
Out of the sunshine out in the rain.
You know I’m going home to live with Jesus.
Won’t it be grand.

Verse #2:
That ain’t all children.
When I get through prayin down here.
Out of the sunshine out in the rain.
I’m going home to live with Jesus.
Won’t it be grand.

Chorus
[Ooh, won’t it be grand etc]

Verse #3
Yes, talk about me much as you please.
The more you talk, I’m gonna bend my knees.
You know I’m gonna home to live with Jesus.
Won’t it be grand.

Verse #4.
Yeah, one of these mornings it won’t be long.
You gonna look for me and I’ll be gone.
I’m going home to live with Jesus.
Won’t it be grand.
-snip-
This is my transcription of the sound file given as Example #6 below.

Other floating verses with the same two line rhyming structure can be sung substituted or added to this song. Often the lead singer vamps [improvises] lines while the group or choir repeats the line "Won't it be grand."

Two other verses for this song are given after Example #4.

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FEATURED EXAMPLES
These examples are presented in chronological order based on their publishing dates on YouTube with the examples with the oldest dates presented earliest.

Example #1: Won't It Be Grand - Chaddrick Parrish.wmv



Stephanie R. Winfrey Uploaded on Sep 16, 2010

Chaddrick Parrish singing Won't It Be Grand @ Watkinsville Baptist Church in Waynesboro, GA . That was his Great-Grandfather, Dea. Luther Patterson, Sr.'s favorite Song.

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Example #2: Holiness Apostolic Church Choir (Won't it be Grand)



BROTHERTENNYSON Uploaded on Oct 25, 2010

The Holiness Apostolic Church choir Jamaica marching during the collecting of the offering, and the Spirit of God came down in the place.

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Example #3: Won't It Be Grand - Part 2



choyescodner's channel Uploaded on Jan 1, 2012

The Voices of the Overcomers Choir of Bethel Born Again Apostolic Church singing during Sunday Services on New Year's Day, January 1, 2012
-snip-
The choir is singing while they march during the church offering.

Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiEFlCQ6O5I for Part I of this video.

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Example #4: Won't It Be Grand - The Gospel Imperials Of Huntsville,"Move Satan"



pannellctp, Published on Mar 4, 2012

The Gospel Imperials from Huntsville, Alabama made the top 2004 WEUP (Radio Station) song of the year in Huntsville, Alabama featuring "Good Bye World" as the #1 Song on Huntsville #1 Gospel Station. The Honoree received the Mattie Moss Clark Trail Blazer Award,and the Radio&recordsPlay List for July 10, 2005....
-snip-
Other two line rhyming verses [using the same chorus/verse format as given above]:

"I never been to heaven but I’ve been told
The streets up there are paved with gold."

"Jordan river is deep and wide
I got a home on the other side."

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Example #5: Won't It Be Grand



1CNLT Published on Mar 9, 2014

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Example #6: The Consolers - Won't It Be Grand [1963]



45 RPM Records & Music Published on Apr 21, 2014
The Consolers
Won't It Be Grand
Nashboro 772

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Example #7: Won’t It Be Grand - The Swanee Quintet, "The Legacy Continues"



pannellctp Published on Dec 27, 2014

The Swanee Quintet - 70 Years: The Legacy Continues Audio CD Original Release Date: 2009

In 2009, The Swanee Quintet celebrated 70 years of singing gospel music with the release of the CD The Legacy Continues. The CD is a mixture of old and new material...

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Nine Examples Of The Gospel Song "We've Come This Far By Faith" (with lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases the Gospel song "We've Come This Far By Faith". Nine YouTube sound file and video examples of this song are featured in this post along with the lyrics of this song.

The content of this post is presented for religious and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Albert A. Goodson, the composer of this song. Thanks also to all of the featured vocalists and musicians for their performances. Thanks also all those quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

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LYRICS: WE'VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH
(Albert A. Goodson, 1963)

We've come this far by faith
Leaning on the LORD
Trusting in His Holy Word
He never failed me yet
Oh' can't turn around
We've come this far by faith

(Repeat)

Verse

Don't be discouraged
When troubles in your life
He will bear your burdens oh
And remove all misery and strife
And that's why

Chorus

Oh' can't turn around
We've come this far by faith

Lyrics found at http://www.elyrics.net/read/c/carlton-pearson-lyrics/we_ve-come-this-far-by-faith-lyrics.html
-snip_
Third verse:
Just the other day
I heard a man say
He didn't believe in God's word
But I can truly say *
That God has made a way
He never failed me yet.
-snip-
I learned this song with the lines
"But I can say
The Lord has made a way"...

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FEATURED VIDEOS
These examples are posted in chronological order according to their publication date on YouTube, with the oldest examples presented first.

Example #1: Emery Briscoe & Contee L.V. Gospel Chorus - processional



cesttresvrai, Uploaded on Sep 14, 2008

Grandparents' Day at Contee A.M.E Zion Church. Song: we've come this far by faith. Emery Briscoe, music director, pianist. Edmond Saint-Jean, organist. Matthew Whittaker, keyboardist. Jamia Furbush, drums. Courtesy of Edmond Saint-Jean & Musicalway Video Ministry. 09-14-2008
-snip-
"We've Come This Far By Faith" was a popular song to sing when choirs (and others) marched into the church sanctuary (church processionals). Unfortunately, church processionals are rarely done anymore.

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Example #2: Donnie McClurkin sings" We Come This far by Faith"



Herbert Dennard, Uploaded on Nov 13, 2008

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Example #3: Voices of Hope singing "We"ve Come This Far By Faith"



gospellin Uploaded on Apr 13, 2009

Wonderful choir from Los Angeles under the direction of Thurston Frazier
-snip-
Comments:
gospellin, 2009
"A very young Billy his picture is on the cover and he had to be around 8 years old
-snip-
"Billy" refers to Gospel/R&B singer & pianist Billy Preston.
**
Percy Spencer, 2009
"If I am not nistaken he was older. In either '56 or '58 he did a movie with Nat King Cole and others. He was 11 then So he may have been a teenager when this was recorded. He also played for James Cleveland on the first two albums with the Angelic Choir"
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gospellin, 2010
"the lp was released in 1961"
-snip-
"Lp" = vinyl album
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Phil Jackson, 2010
"Thurston Frazier was a very talented musician, director and organizer. He had such an influence on Gospel Music along with Gwen Lightner, Doris Akers and many others. There is something to learn from these songs.They were sung out of experience and total dependence on God..something that seems missing in many of today''s Gospel music songs. The organ and piano on the two albums done by this choir are perhaps the best you will ever hear."
**
dallaskenn , 2012
"Thurston Frazier also collaborated with James Cleveland in co-writing some of James' best songs."
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BrownPrettyGirly, 2010
"This Choir did an awesome job singing this song. It was sang the "old school" way. Good job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
**
Renne De Lorean, 2012
"That is my good friend Albert Goodson on the Hammond Organ, he wrote "We've Come This Far By Faith" and Gwendolyn Lightner on the Piano - (Little) Billy Preston would also play the organ - on this album there are two (2) selecctions written by Doris Akers. God bless you as you listen."

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Example #4: We Have Come this Far by Faith



Javet707's channel, Uploaded on Sep 18, 2009

Central Church of God Choir - Charlotte, NC
-snip-
Comment:
Johanna Roberts, 2013
"You don't hear songs like these anymore. Thanks for the post!!!"

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Example #5: "We've Come This Far By Faith"- Mighty Clouds of Joy



Rowoches, Uploaded on Nov 1, 2010

The early days of the Mighty Clouds of Joy. From their PEACOCK album, FAMILY CIRCLE. Joe Ligon, lead.

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Example #6: Christ Missionary Baptist Church Delray "We've Come This Far By Faith" 2/6/11 [church processional]



ChristMBCDelray, Uploaded on Apr 1, 2011

Christ Missionary Baptist Church Choir "We've Come This Far By Faith "Processional 2/6/11 Delray Beach Florida. Pastor Matthew Mitchell. Soloist Kendlynn Williams. Performed as part of our Black History Month Celebration..
Videography: Willie Jenkins

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Example #7: Rev Milton Biggham We've Come This Far By Faith Gospel Legends Volume 3 soloist



Diane McGrier, Published on Mar 13, 2016

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Example #8: We've Come This Far By Faith



Bible Way Baptist Church, Published on Nov 3, 2011

New Project 6

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Example #9: Carlton Pearson, We've Come This Far By Faith



Tracy A. Willis, Published on Aug 5, 2015

Carlton Pearson appeared during Aretha Franklin's concert at Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles. August 2, 2015
-snip-
This video replaces another video entitled "We've Come This Far By Faith (VHS) - Bishop Carlton Pearson," Live At AZUSA4" that was published by pannellctp in 2012. Here's the summary of that video: w
"We've Come This Far By Faith

Although this powerful gospel concert -- recorded in April 2001 -- is billed as a choir project featuring the intensely spirit-filled [Billy] Pearson, there's an unbilled sweet surprise for those who listen down a few tracks. "(I'll Say) Yes, Lord, Yes/Have Thine Own Way" and "I Won't Be Back (Sweepin' Through the City)" are led by First Lady of Gospel Music Shirley Caesar. The first is a fiery duet with Pearson, highlighted by Caesar doing increasingly wild call and responses with the choir. The second is a crazy toe-tapper, with both Caesar and the choir making percussive vocal statements above the rolling organ. The choir functions as an echo for Caesar's guttural reach. Aside from those tracks, the show succeeds because it draws upon classic gospel tunes that are not tired and overplayed, like "Workin' on a Building/Jesus Is Real to Me" and the passionate ballad "It Took a Miracle." Vocalist LaShun Page is a definite solo vocal find, giving the finale, "Is Your All on the Altar?," a powerful thrust. The numerous spoken word passages/introductions, which were no doubt inspirational onstage but interfere with the musical enjoyment off, are the only drawback for the home listener. ~ Jonathan Widran
-snip-
Here's information about "Azusa" from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azusa_Street_Revival
"The Azusa Street Revival was a historic Pentecostal revival meeting that took place in Los Angeles, California and is the origin of the Pentecostal movement.[1] It was led by William J. Seymour, an African American preacher. It began with a meeting on April 9, 1906, and continued until roughly 1915. The revival was characterized by ecstatic spiritual experiences accompanied by miracles, dramatic worship services, speaking in tongues, and inter-racial mingling. The participants were criticized by the secular media and Christian theologians for behaviors considered to be outrageous and unorthodox, especially at the time. Today, the revival is considered by historians to be the primary catalyst for the spread of Pentecostalism in the 20th century."

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Five Video Examples Of "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases five video examples of the African American religious song "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me". The title for this song is also given as "I'm So Glad" and as "Jesus Lifted Me". Comments about "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me" and standard lyrics for this song are also included in this post.

The content of this post is provided for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composers and arrangers of this song. Thanks also to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

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COMMENTS ABOUT THIS SONG
"I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me" is categorized as an African American Spiritual (formerly known as "Negro Spirituals"). However I wonder if this song is in fact an early African American Gospel song and not a Spiritual. I've not yet found any information online as to when this song was collected, from whom (although the presumpti0on is that it was first sung by African Americans)besides , and where (although the presumption is that it was first sung in the Southern region of the United States).

A 2007 Mudcat Folk & Blues discussion thread that I participated in provided comments about and lyrics for the African American Spiritual "I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Always" (http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=39217). That thread includes the comment from Q, a White Canadian male blogger that "I'm so glad" is used in several spirituals". Q posted the lyrics to the African American Spiritual "I'm So Glad (There's No Dying There)" and cited his sources as "Noble, G. C., 1911, "The Most Popular Plantation Songs," p. 63 with score [and] (Gibbs, W. J.), nd (1920s), "Negro Spirituals or The Songs of the Jubilee Singers," no. 32. Verses 1, 3, 5, with score." Q also wrote "Not known if this was included in the volume with songs of the original Jubilee Singers." The lyrics that are cited for that song can be sung using a call & response pattern.

Unfortunately, Q didn't identify any other titles of "I'm So Glad" African American Spirituals besides the featured song in that post and the "There's No Dying There" song. I wonder if that was one of the songs that Q referred to and if that song was included in those books that Q cited. It's also unfortunate that I've not been able to find a midi, sound file or video or anyone singing the song "I'm So Glad (There's No Dying There)".

In that same discussion thread I added comments about and lyrics for the song "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me". Following Q's comment I cited the titles of three "I'm So Glad" "Spirituals": "I'm so Glad I Got My 'ligion In Time", "I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Always", and I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me". However, I misspoke as instead of it being a separate song, I believe that "I'm So Glad I Got My Religion In Time" is often sung as a verse to "I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Always".

I also wrote that each of those songs "I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Always" and "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me" are both up-tempo but they have different tunes. Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI5IODB1W_w for a video example of "I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Always" by Sam Cooke & The Soul Stirrers.

I consider African American Spirituals to be those religious songs that are composed by African Americans which are documented to have been sung in the 19th century. Furthermore, African American Spirituals are usually call & response songs. "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me" and "I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Always" don't have a call & response pattern - at least they haven't had that pattern since at least the 1950s the earliest date that I remember those songs. However, like [other?] Spirituals, the lyrics to many of the verses to those songs aren't fixed and the verse order is also not fixed. Although I posted an example of "standard lyrics for "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me" in that above mentioned Mudcat thread and in this post, other lyrics can be substituted for those words, and/or other verses can be added to those verses I gave. The same relative flexibility for its lyrics is true for "I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Always."

I wonder if people have categorized "I'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last Always" and "I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me" as African American spirituals because, like [other] Spirituals (it appears) that those two songs don't have any known composers. For the reasons I've mentioned I use quotation marks around the word "Spiritual" when I categorize both of those songs to reflect my questions about whether that categorization is really accurate.

Note that the video given as Example #4 below indicates that Gospel legends are singing "I'M So Glad Jesus Lifted Me. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that this song isn't a Spiritual, since a number of Spirituals and Hymns have been gospelized (sung in a Gospel style).

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STANDARD LYRICS FOR "I'M SO GLAD JESUS LIFTED ME"

1. I'm so glad, Jesus lifted me,
I'm so glad, Jesus lifted me,
I'm so glad, Jesus lifted me,
singing glory, hallelujah,
Jesus lifted me.

2. Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
singing glory, hallelujah,
Jesus lifted me.

3. When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
when I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
when I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
singing glory, hallelujah,
Jesus lifted me.

Source: http://www.hymnsite.com/fws/hymn.cgi?2151
That website categorizes this song as an African American Spiritual.

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FEATURED EXAMPLES OF "I'M SO CLAD JESUS LIFTED ME"
These videos are posted in chronological order with the videos with the oldest dates posted first.

Example #1: I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me- Hamilton Landrum, song leader



pkteemax, Uploaded on Nov 23, 2009

Sunday morning worship at Kings coC in Brooklyn, NY.
-snip-
"coC" is probably the "Church Of Christ" denomination. I don't know if this is the same denomination as the Church of God In Christ (COGIC) or the United Church of Christ (UCC).

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Example #2: I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me- Liberty City church of Christ



pkteemax, Uploaded on May 26, 2010

Sunday morning during offereing time.Church located in Detroit, Michigan.

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Example #3: Chris Turner - I'm So Glad (Jesus Lifted Me)



humbleisdaway, Published on Aug 13, 2012

chris leading songs at the new golden heights anniversary celebration.

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Example #4: Donald Vails/Claude Timmons Live/The Gospel Legends/I'm So Glad!



TrueGospelMan, Published on Feb 5, 2013

The gospel legends singing: I'm So Glad & Bye and Bye. Brief Horace Boyer Interview
-snip-
This video clip is actually a medley that includes the song "Bye And Bye (Everyday will be Sunday Bye And Bye)". Notice the polyrhythmic clapping.

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Example #5: Pastor HB Charles Jr. 'I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me/Glory Glory Halleujah' Medley



BrothaRollins Published on Aug 22, 2013
After Sermon & Benediction Medley
-snip-
A commentor (MrG, 2013) identified this church's denomination by writing "This is straight up Missionary Baptist Church." ("This is straight up" means "This is very characteristic of".

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