ALBERT SIMPSON REITZ: Composer of "Teach Me To Pray" - " 'Twas A
Looking For the Sunrise
I’m not looking for the sunset, , As the swift years come and go; I am looking for the sunrise, And the golden morning glow, Where the light of heaven’s glory . Will break forth upon my sight, In the land that knows no sunset, Nor the darkness of the night. I’m not going down the pathway Toward the setting of the sun, Where the shadows ever deepen When the day at last is done; l am walking up the hillside Where the sunshine lights the way, To the glory of the sunrise Of God’s never-ending day. I’m not going down, but upward, .. And the path is never dim, For the day grows ever brighter As l journey on with Him. So my eyes are on the hilltops, Waiting for the sun to rise, Waiting for His invitation To the home beyond the skies. W h y Should I Fear? The world is torn with tumult and with strife, And prophets tell of darker days ahead When hearts of men will throb with fear and dread. But peace, deep peace surrounds my daily life, On every side new tidings of alarm Come sweeping in like storm-clouds from the sea; But when the powers of darkness threaten me, My soul is safely sheltered from all harm, For God is here! My Lord is near! Why should l fear? Deep, deep within my soul 1 hear His word; “Let not your heart be troubled, nor afraid, Though threat of war against you be arrayed; The triumph will be mine, 1 am the Lord!” —Albert Simpson Reitz For- God is here! My Lord is near! Why should I fear?
“ I had often heard it said,” Dr. Albert Simpson Reitz stated with a smile, “ ‘that the young minister un married has double-trouble.’ While attending Moody Bible Institute some 50 years ago, I prayed that the Lord would lead me to the one with whom I could share happy years of service. And, praise His name, He did!” Through the 80 years of this lead ing gospel song writer’s life, the faith fulness of the hand of God can be clearly traced. Born on January 20, 1879, Dr. Reitz has written several well-known poems and a number of outstanding gospel songs, most famous of which include: “Teach Me To Pray,” “ Shepherd of Love,” “ ’Twas a Glad Day When Jesus Found Me,” and others. His book, “ Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled,” has had five sep arate printings by the Moody Bible Institute, so wide has its acceptance been among those who have lost loved ones. The octogenarian composer has also written several selections appear ing in sheet music. His song, “ The Blue Star in the Window,” was used in two world wars. He has two wed ding songs which are frequently sung. A prolific writer of verse, many of his poems have appeared through the years on the pages of the KING’S BUSINESS. Bom in a Christian home, the youngest of seven children, as a youth Giving forth the Word of God is a living purpose of Dr. Reitz's life.
DR. REITZ Albert Reitz made his decision for the Lord’s work. While holding taber nacle meetings in Berkeley, Califor nia, more than 200 young people responded to the gospel message and challenge for service. “ I got off the platform and stood with other young people,” Dr. Reitz recalled. “ I knew then that God wanted me to train for His ministry.” Albert and Elsie Reitz were used of the Lord in several pastorates. His first was in Berlin, Wisconsin. “ God gave us three wonderful honeymoon years there, and they are still rich in mem ory today,” he reflected. Mrs. Reitz went home to glory in 1950. For more than 26 years, Dr. Reitz was pastor of the Fairview Heights Baptist Church of Inglewood. “When I came to Los Angeles and that area, it was just a small village. Centinela Park was an abandoned fig grove.” The Inglewood church grew with the community and today continues to move forward for Christ. Service for Dr. Reitz has been varied, including five years with the YMCA, eight years traveling in evan gelistic work, and 34 years in the active ministry. “ I have tried to keep in mind that people would rather see a sermon than hear one,” he sagely pointed out.
When God is here, And Christ is near, How can I fear?
My Refuge and my Fortress will not fail, For days of trial and testing will but prove That l am sheltered in His arms of love. Against His strength no foe shall e'er prevail.
Yes, God is here! My Lord is near! How can 1 fear?
—Albert Simpson Reitz
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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