Movie Review: Facing the Laughter: Minnie Pearl

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A+

A wonderful documentary on country music and comedy icon, Minnie Pearl. 

Many of you who read this blog, know that I am huge country music fan. Because of this Minnie Pearl is a major name to me. She may have been a comedian, rather than a musician but few names are respected more in country music circles than Minnie Pearl. With her many years of performing on the Grand Ole Opry and country music variety show, Hee Haw, she became the greatest goodwill ambassador, country music ever had, as well as for many country music fans becoming just as much a country music icon as any musician.

For only having an hour and a half runtime this film not only gives a great overview of the career of Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, the woman who became Minnie Pearl, but also helps anyone understand why she is so revered. Despite the short runtime, this film never seems to be rushing through things and at times can be quite in depth. What makes this essential viewing for all fans of Minnie Pearl is the wonderful audio recordings of the woman herself talking about her career. Even if you know the facts about her life to hear all this from her own mouth is something special. It gives you a wonderful peak into just who this woman really was. It also helps us see the differences between Sarah and Minnie, and also the ways that they were truly the same person. By listening to her voice and what she says, you can see how truly grateful and blessed she felt to be a part of the Grand Ole Opry and the country music community. It is impossible to describe the value this audio recordings have to us Minnie Pearl fans. Yet this is not the only joy of the film. This movie features some of the biggest names in country music such as Bill Anderson, Tanya Tucker, Jeannie Seely, Barbra Mandrell, Reba McEntire, Dwight Yoakam, K.D. Lang and Garth Brooks as well as Minnie's Hee Haw co-star Brabi Benton, all of whom talk about Minnie with complete and utter reverence. The scenes when they talk about meeting Minnie, are also incredibly valuable to us fans. They are also sometimes, quite emotional. This is especially true of when Dwight Yoakam talks about meeting her. There is no doubt that Dwight is getting quite emotional thinking about Minnie and this makes us have an even greater appreciation for Minnie. Making this movie even better are that there are some truly wonderful clips of Minnie on such TV Shows as Hee Haw, The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show, The Dean Martin Show, This is Your Life and Your Show of Shows. All of these show Minnie to her best advantage and I laugh out loud quite a few times with these clips. This is pure down home unsophisticated country humor at its absolute best. For newcomers, this movie also provides a nice summary of her career, from a young girl dreaming of becoming a serious dramatic actress to her first appearance on the Opry to her friendships with country music legends (especially Roy Acuff) to her rightful place as country music's finest comedian. 

If I had watched this movie, never having heard of Minnie Pearl, I would automatically become a huge fan. This to me is the highest compliment you can pay to a documentary like this. Whether you are a fan of Minnie Pearl or not, this is a must watch movie. 

Cowboy Church #204

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing In the Garden. This song was written by C. Austin Miles. As well as a hymnist, Austin's hobby was photography. He wrote this song in 1912 while waiting some film to dry in a cold and leaky basement. Miles had discovered earlier that he could read the bible in the red lighting of his darkroom and often did. This day he was reading John 20. He read about how Mary went into the garden to see Jesus' tomb. Her heart was full of sadness, but when she learned that Jesus had overcome the grave she was moved to great joy. This passage moved Miles as he read it, and this song started to come to him. Miles originally intended this song to be an Easter song and for it to be from the point of view of Mary Magdalene. Miles would later say about this song, “This is not an experience limited to a happening almost 2,000 years ago. It is the daily companionship with the Lord that makes up the Christian’s life.” Learning this story has made this song all the more powerful for me and I hope it enhances the power of this great hymn for you as well. 


This is followed by Roy Acuff with his 1946 recording of That Glory Bound Train.

Next comes The Charlie Daniels Band with The Business of Love. This comes from the group's first gospel album, 1994's The Door.   In his memoir, Never Look at the Empty Seats, Charlie Daniels wrote, "I think the most pressure I was ever under as a songwriter was when I wrote the songs for our first gospel album, The Door. It was such a special project to me. I wanted it to be much more than just another gospel album. I wanted the lyrics to have impact and hopefully speak to some of the people who, like me, had such a hard time understanding the gospel message and were falling through the cracks." 

Now for the Sons of the San Joaquin with Beyond the Sunset. This recording comes from their 1997 gospel album, Beyond the Sunset. It is important that as Christians, we always remember that our life here on Earth is not the end. In fact life is but a vapor in the grand scheme of things and we should spend our lives, knowing that when it is over we will spend entirety with our Lord and experience his full glory and blessings. We should live our lives accordingly and understand that spiritual things need to come first as they are the most important. 

Then comes Johnny Cash with When He Reached Down His Hand for Me. This comes from John's second gospel album, 1962's Hymns from the Heart. This album, while still sounding like a Johnny Cash album has a much more traditional gospel sound than his first gospel album, 1958's Hymns by Johnny Cash.  

Now for The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1935 recording of When I Leave This World Behind. Bob Nolan sings lead on this song and the wonderful fiddle playing is by Hugh Farr.

Afterwards is Tennessee Ernie Ford with I Love to Tell the Story. 

Today's musical selection ends with The Statler Brothers singing Standing on the Promises of God. This hymn was written by Russell Carter in 1886. Working as a sheep herder he developed a heart condition. This led him to pray much more often, and he began to get closer to God every day. When he was healed, he vowed to "stand on the promises of God" and wrote this song.

Now for a 1987 interview with some of our favorite movie heroes, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Gene Autry.

Now for a message from the Reverend Billy Graham.

 Rim of the Canyon (Columbia Pictures Pressbook, 1949)

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. Psalms 8:2

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18

Thank you for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

 

Cowboy Church #200

 Hello my friends and welcome back to another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with A Christmas Prayer. This recording comes from Roy and Dale's 1967 Christmas album, Christmas is Always. 

This is followed by Gene Autry with An Old Fashioned Tree. This recording comes from an episode of Gene Autry's Melody Ranch radio show, that aired on December 5, 1948.

Afterwards comes Tennessee Ernie Ford with his 1971 recording of Hark the Herald Angels Sing. This hymn was written by Charles Wesley. Wesley stated that what he hoped to achieve through his hymns was to teach sound doctorine to the poor an illiterate, who may not be able to read the Bible for themselves. His brother John Wesley, who was a famous theologian and one of the founders of Methodism, stated that Charles' hymnal was the best book on Theology there was out there. Charles wrote the words to this hymn as he heard the church bells ringing on his way to church on Christmas Day. He intended this to be a poem that would be read in Church on Christmas Day. This poem first appeared in print in 1739 in Hymns and Sacred Poems. In 1753 George Whitefield, put these words to the music we know today. Whitefield also added the term “newborn king.” 

Next comes Merle Haggard with Santa Claus and Popcorn. This song comes Merle's 1973 Christmas album, Hag's Christmas. It is important to remember that no matter how we celebrate this Christmas to remember that the reason that we celebrate is because of Jesus Christ and that Jesus loving us is something that we must never forget. It may be the simplicist piece of theology, but it is something that must be instilled and us and something that we never forgot on our Christian walk. 

Now for the Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Power in the Blood. 

Then comes The Petersens with O Holy Night. This hymn was written in 1847. The lyricist for the song was Placide Cappeau. Cappeau was a poet who rarely wrote about Christian subjects, however the local priest asked him to write a poem for Christmas mass. He didn't know what to write so he looked at the story of Jesus' birth in the book of Luke and tried to place himself there. He then asked his friend Adolphe Charles Adams (who had composed over 80 operas) to write some music. This hymn would gain controversy in France, when the church learned of its writers. Cappeau had left the church and joined the socialist party. Adams was not Christian, but rather Jewish. The idea that neither of the writers of a Christian hymn were in fact Christian, upset many church leaders. These church leaders denounced the song and deemed it not fit to sing in a church. Yet despite this the hymn was one of the most popular Christmas songs in France at the time. 

Then comes The Sons of the San Joaquin with It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. The song was written by Edmund H. Sears. This hymn first appeared in Boston's Christian Register, on December 29, 1849 (yes after Christmas). That version has a verse that does not appear in this version, "But with the woes of sin and strife the world has suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not the love-song, which they bring: O hush the noise, ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing!" This verse reflects the state if America at the time this song was written. The Civil War was approaching, and Sears found himself concerned with the division in our country. Unlike many Christmas songs, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear is not a song about peace on Earth but rather a plea for it. With the division and anger that is so prevalent today, this is a perfect Christmas song for our time. This song has been put to different tunes over the years and the two most prevalent are Carol (by Richard Storis Willis in 1850) and Noel (by Sir Arthur Sullivan in 1878). Carol is the preferred version of this song in the U.S. and is the one Willie performs here. The tune had been used for other lyrics dating back to when it was written in 1850, and was first used to accompany, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear in 1878.

Today's musical selection ends with Johnny Cash singing God is Not Dead. This recording comes from John's 1968 gospel album The Holy Land. This album was inspired by a trip John and his wife, country singer June Carter Cash, took to Israel and as well as music also including some recordings of John narrating what sees while in The Holy Land. If you ever get the chance to go to Israel, it will become very clear to you that God is definitely not dead, as you can fully feel his presence with you while you are there. This song was written by John himself and fully reflects the sentiments of any Christian who visits Israel.  

Today's movie trailer is for a fun and silly little B-western, Gold Raiders (1951). This film stars George O'Brien and The Three Stooges. Today George O' Brien is probably best remembered for his role in F.W. Murnau's Sunrise (1927). However he had a very prolific career in Westerns. He rose to prominence in John Ford's landmark silent western, The Iron Horse (1924). He went on to star in a large number of B-westerns in the 1930's as well as having supporting roles in A-Westerns including the John Ford and John Wayne masterpieces Fort Apache (1948) and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949). Naturally, I don't need to tell you who The Three Stooges are. This is the second and last feature film that features Shemp as a member of The Stooges. The other feature films with The Three Stooges had either Curly or Joe DeRita in the role of the third stooge. The movie was directed by Edward Bernds, who was a regular director of The Stooges short films if this era. The film was written by Elwood Ullman (a regular writer for The Stooges) and William Lively (who wrote a good number of B-westerns). 

Next is the C.S. Lewis short story, The Man Born Blind.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. Job 22:27

They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:11

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Cowboy Church #197

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

With Christmas not being too far off, I am going to start incorporating Christmas music into these posts. First up is a favorite for me Roy Rogers singing Silent Night. This recording comes from 1940 and it is part of a session he did with The Jimmy Walley Trio where they recorded a few Christmas songs together. 

Next comes Charley Pride with They Stood in Silent Prayer. This version of the song comes from Charley's 1970 Christmas album, Christmas in my Hometown.

Now for Tennessee Ernie Ford with It is Well (With My Soul). Though this is a hymn of hope and peace it was written in a time of great sadness. The song was written by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873. He had planned a European trip for himself, his wife and four daughters, however because of his work he was unable to go, and he let his family go without him and after he finished his work, he would meet them there. However, the ship was hit and quickly sank. Though his wife was saved all four of his daughters had gone down with the ship. Amazingly he wrote this hymn when approaching an area near where his daughters had sunk. 

Afterwards comes Willie Nelson and his sister Bobbie Nelson (on piano) with Are You Washed in the Blood. This hymn was written by Elisha Albright Hoffman (Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Glory to His Name) in 1878. It first appeared in his book, Spiritual Songs for Gospel Meetings and the Sunday School. Yet it was strangely dropped from later versions of this book. This version of this classic hymn comes from Willie and Bobbie's 1996 gospel album Just as I Am. This album consisted of hymns and gospel songs that the two have known and held dear to them since they were small kids. 

Then comes The Carter Family with their 1932 recording of Church in the Wildwood. This hymn was written in 1857 by a music teacher named William S Pitts. On a stagecoach ride to meet his fiancé, he stopped in Bradford, Iowa. While there he took a long nature walk. Seeing an especially beautiful valley near Cedar River, he began to picture a church building here. The idea became engrained into his mind and even after he was back home in Wisconsin, he still couldn't stop thinking about it.  He later stated that only after he had written this hymn, was he at peace with himself. In 1962 the songwriter and his now wife, had visited the spot and found a church right there, even the same color he mentioned in the song.  

Now for Anne Wilson with O Holy Night. This hymn was written in 1847. The lyricist for the song was Placide Cappeau. Cappeau was a poet who rarely wrote about Christian subjects, however the local priest asked him to write a poem for Christmas mass. He didn't know what to write so he looked at the story of Jesus' birth in the book of Luke and tried to place himself there. He then asked his friend Adolphe Charles Adams (who had composed over 80 operas) to write some music. This hymn would gain controversy in France, when the church learned of its writers. Cappeau had left the church and joined the socialist party. Adams was not Christian, but rather Jewish. The idea that neither of the writers of a Christian hymn were in fact Christian, upset many church leaders. These church leaders denounced the song and deemed it not fit to sing in a church. Yet despite this the hymn was one of the most popular Christmas songs in France at the time. 

Gene Autry continues the musical selection with his 1956 recording of Everyone's a Child at Christmas. This song was written by Johnny Marks, who also wrote Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, a song that Gene would help turn into a Christmas classic. 

As today's musical selection ends, The Sons of the Pioneers ask the theological question, Will There be Sagebrush in Heaven in a classic 1947 recording. 

Today's movie trailer for Hop-Along Cassidy (1935). This is the first of 66 films in which William Boyd, would play the famous cowboy character. The last of these films would be Strange Gamble (1948). To say this movie series became a major success is a huge understatement. Hop-Along Cassidy movies would become a sensation, capturing the hearts and imaginations of all red-blooded American boys. Though the character had existed since 1904 as the star of a series of books written by Clarence E. Mulford, from this point on the character would be associated mainly with William Boyd. As if playing the character in 66 movies wasn't enough Boyd also played the character in a radio show that ran from 1948 to 1952 and a TV series which ran from 1949 to 1952. Boyd's version of the character owed little to the book character. Boyd's version was much more clean living and a role model for young kids. Few of these movies, radio episodes and TV episodes borrowed anything from the books for story material. 

If you have a hard time reading the following page, click on it and use your touch screen to zoom in. 

The International Photographer, 1937

Now for a sermon from S.M. Lockridge. 

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah Psalm 3:8

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 1 Peter 1:13

Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:8

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:1-2

Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” Joshua 10:25

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again. 

Cowboy Church #194

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection starts with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Lord You Made the Cowboy Happy. It is too often in life that we take the little things for granted. God has given us more blessings than we could ever count, and it is good to take a little time every day to thank him for those blessings. 

This is followed by Hank Williams and his wife Audery Williams with their 1948 recording of I Heard My Mother Praying for Me. This song was credited to being written by Audrey Williams, yet on an episode of the Mothers Best radio show a few years later, Hank Williams introduced the song saying he wrote it. Audrey was very adamant about wanting to record some religious songs with her husband and kept bringing it up to Hank until Hank finally agreed and then convinced his manager Fred Rose. Though Audrey often gets a lot of criticism for her singing voice, the truth is it is not too bad here and there two voice match quite well on this duet at least. This gospel songs the two recorded together were heavily inspired by the husband and wife evangelists that both were very familiar with.

Next comes Anne Wilson with Hey Girl. This is what she calls her "Kentucky Version," and although all of her music is very country inspired, this version is even more country than the original version. Hey Girl comes from Anne's debut album, 2022's My Jesus. 

Afterwards is Tennessee Ernie Ford with Blessed Assurance. This hymn came about when songwriter Fanny Crosby visited composer Phoebe Palmer Knapp. Knapp played a tune for Crosby and asked what came to her mind with that tune. Crosby said, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!" She then immediately followed it with more lyrics that would be in the finished song. The song was published in 1873 and first appeared in a monthly magazine for which the editors were Joseph Fairchild Knapp and Phoebe Palmer Knapp (who were husband and wife). When it later appeared in 1887's Gospel Songs, No. 5 by Ira Sankey, this we lead it to greater fame as it would be commonly sung in the revivals of Dwight L. Moody and Sankey. By 1889, the hymn commonly appeared in Methodist hymnals. 

Next is Glen Campbell with a song he wrote himself, Less of Me.

Now for Roy Rogers with Peace in the Valley.  The hymn was written by Thomas A. Dorsey who later explained the origins of this song, “Peace in the Valley,” “It was just before Hitler sent his war chariots into Western Europe in the late 1930s. I was on a train going through southern Indiana and saw horses, cows and sheep all grazing together in this little valley. Everything seemed so peaceful. It made me question, “What’s the matter with mankind? Why can’t men live in peace?” Out of those thoughts came “Peace in the Valley.” 

It is time to join Willie Nelson and his sister Bobbie Nelson with Are You Washed in the Blood. This comes from their 1996 album, Just as I Am. This was an album made up of old gospel songs that the two had grown up with since childhood.  

Today's musical selection ends with the late Jerry Lee Lewis with My God is Real. 



 

Today's movie trailer is for The Lone Ranger (1956) starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels. The 1950's Lone Ranger TV series was such a sensation that it spawned two full color theatrically released feature films. This is the first of those movies and it is simply a lot of fun. A couple of years later it would be followed by The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold (1958). The Lone Ranger marks the last film appearance by Bonita Granville. My fellow B movie fans might know her from playing Nancy Drew in a series of four films. She also had a good sized role in the brilliant Bette Davis romantic film, Now Voyager (1942). 

Now a message from Pastor Greg Laurie. 

Now therefore, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord God, have spoken; and with Your blessing may the house of Your servant be blessed forever. 2 Samuel 7:29 

 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:13

Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Matthew 6:25
Proverbs 
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Luke 12:24

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love. Ephesians 3:16-17

He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses. Proverbs 28:27

Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. Proverbs 14:21

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.

 

Cowboy Church #132

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Lead Me Gently Home, Father. This is followed by The Charlie Daniels Band with Softly and Tenderly. This hymn was written Will Lamartine Thompson. As well as writing gospel songs Thompson also wrote quite a few secular songs and parotic songs. When the songs he wrote were rejected by publishers he created his own company,  Will L. Thompson & Company. This company would not only publish music by sell musical instruments. Softly and Tenderly first appeared in 1880's Sparkling Gems, Nos. 1 and 2, a collection of songs from the company. This version of the song comes from CDB's 2001 gospel album, How Sweet the Sound. Unlike earlier Christian albums from the band, this album featured no original songs, instead relying on traditional gospel numbers. Next comes Kris Kristofferson with Burden of Freedom. This version of the song comes from Kris' 1972 album, Burden of Freedom. He would later make another version for his 2006 album, This Old Road. A year before Kris wrote this song he had responded to an alter call and this song and Why Me Lord were responses to what that spiritual experience, one that Kris himself admitted he didn't fully understand yet. Around this time a resurgence was happening with Christian music. A lot had happened in recent years and as many young people had turned to God, they brought along their own types of music, that meant something to them personally. Therefore much Christian music was no longer hymns but mire contemporary sounding music that payed tribute to God while reflecting the world these young Christians had grown up in. Johnny Cash would often play before these audiences as part of concerts mostly made up of the younger artists. Feeling it would be good for Kris to be in such an environment, John invited Kris and his wife Rita Coolidge to perform as well. Kris would play his own songs like Burden of Freedom or Why Me Lord. Yet Kris felt decidedly uncomfortable at these concerts. He would say about the experience, "I was singing songs, I thought were spiritual but people wanted to hear more songs specifically about Jesus. Eventually I had to tell John that I couldn't do these type of shows anymore I felt like a hypocrite."  Next comes Billy Cate with Christian Cowboy. This is followed by Dwight Yoakam and Ralph Stanley with Miner's Prayer. The music continues with Tennessee Ernie Ford singing I Love to Tell the Story.  When recovering from a sickness, Arabella Katherine Hankey wrote a poem about the life of Christ. This poem was broken into two parts the first being called The Story Wanted (published in January, 1866) and the second called The Story Told (published in November, 1866). I Love to Tell the Story comes from this second part. In 1869 William G. Fisher put this text to music and that is the version we know today. Still it is worth noting that Hankey wrote her own music for these words, but her music was seldom used and is now forgotten. Today's musical selection ends with The Purple Hulls with What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Despite being Joseph Medlicott Scriven's most famous composition,  when he made a collection of his writings entitled  Hymns and Other Verses it did not appear. It has been assumed that the reason for this is that he probably wrote it for his mother when she was sick and not for the public. It is believed that it is through his mother that the hymn reached the public. It first appeared in 1865's Social Hymns, Original and Selected credited as anonymous. 

 

Here is an episode of Roy Rogers' radio show. It guest stars Sara Berner (who did voices for quite a few Looney Tunes cartoons and appeared in live action in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window (1954)). 

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 4:16

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. Proverbs 15:8

 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Let the words of my mouth Meaning either his speech in common conversation, which should not be filthy and foolish, rotten and corrupt; but such as ministers grace to the hearer: or else his address to God, both in prayer and thanksgiving; and the meditation of my heart. Psalm 19:14

Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Thank you for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.

Resources Used

The Man Called Cash by Steve Turner

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-softly-and-tenderly-jesus-is-calling

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-i-love-to-tell-the-story

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/history-of-hymns-what-a-friend-we-have-in-jesus