King's Business - 1954-03

HYMNS YOU LOVE------------------------------

PERHAPS YOUR SON IN THE SERVICE . . .

By Phil Kerr Launch Out

has benone of the 50,000 served annually at Victory Center inChicago

J!

Words by A. B. Simpson

Music by R. Kelso Carter

COPYRIGHTED

Thirteenth Street Presbyterian Church in New York City. Deepen­ ing spiritual experiences and an urgent missionary vision prompted him to resign from the Presbyter­ ian ministry and launch (in the 1880’s) the movement which cul­ minated in the now-world-wide Christian and Missionary Alliance. He passed away in 1919. Although possessing no musical training, he had an unusual sense of melody and rhythm. His secre­ tary revealed that “ often Dr. Simp­ son would be found at the piano, working out some melody that was in his heart.” The many Simpson songs include “ Himself,” “ Jesus Only,” “ I W ill Say Yes to Jesus,” and “A Missionary Cry,”—the lat­ ter being a musical embodiment of Simpson’s famous poem begin­ ning, “ One hundred souls a day, Are passing one by one away, In Christless guilt and gloom . . .”

R. R. Brown relates that “ dur­ ing a religious conference at Old Orchard, Maine, one of Dr. Simp­ son’s colleagues returned from the beach, where he had gone for a swim, and remarked how unpleas­ ant it was to see so many people just playing around in the edge of the water where there was so much seaweed and debris. The re­ mark inspired Dr. Simpson to write the poem, ‘Launch Out,’ which was later set to music by the composer of ‘Standing On The Promises.’ ” Albert Benjamin Simpson was born December 15, 1843, on Prince Edward Island, in Canada. While attending high school in Chatham, Ontario, he was converted under the ministry of Gratton Guiness, the great missionary statesman. La­ ter he became a Presbyterian min­ ister, serving churches in Hamil­ ton, Ontario and Louisville, Ken­ tucky. Then came a call to the T his month Phil Kerr will begin the tenth year of his Monday Musicals in Pasadena, Califor­ nia. National attention has been attracted to these unique programs which are held each Monday in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, with audiences averaging more than two thousand at each concert. Tape-recorded highlights are broad­ cast on a number of radio stations throughout the country. . Each program includes a wide variety of Christian musical fea­ tures, and spontaneous testimonies of the participating artists. There is no preaching, but a positive Christian witness is accented. Three objectives are proclaimed; First, to provide spiritual inspira­ tion. Second, to present a definite Christian testimony. Third, to stim­ ulate dormant Christian talent, A by-product has been the en­ couragement of many professional musicians and singers who have become Christians and have ceased their secular activities, A list of such professionals who received early stimulation from the Monday Musicals would include Tim Spen­ cer, Redd Harper, Georgia Lee, Colleen Townsend, Stuart Ham­ blen, Lee Childs, Sol Hoopii, Gloree

Here in Chicago, at the crossroads of the na­ tion, the Christian Business Men’s Committee provides a pleasant stopping-off place for boys in the service, offering many facilities for their comfort and enjoyment. Perhaps your own son, a neighbor lad, or a relative has enjoyed a snack or a warm meal in our FREE canteen . . . relaxed in our game center or library . . . or partaken in a worship service. All are reached with the gospel . . . many find Christ daily. Victory Center In Chicago Is reaching boy> from every State in the union, Canada and foreign countries—365 days a yearl I t ’ s a Big, Expensi ve Job We Need Your Hel p! The Center is strictly non-sectarian and main­ tained solely by Christians. We covet your prayers and invite you to help us maintain this "Christian home awayfrom homefor our youth in the services.” Send us a gift today. And for free literature, write Room , K 43 CHRISTIAN BUSINESS MEN’S COMMITTEE Washington at Dearborn Chicago 2, Illinois

Ten th A n n iv e r sa r y ot M on d a y M usica ls

Phil Kerr, music on Monday

Shelsea, Barclay Allen and others. Arnie Hartman, famed profes­ sional accordionist, accepted Christ as a direct result of the Musicals, and is now in full-time Christian service. Phil Kerr travels widely in evan­ gelistic work, conducting Monday Musicals in his spare time, with­ out personal remuneration. Finan­ cial affairs are handled by a non­ profit corporation, with net pro­ ceeds being used to encourage gos­ pel singers and musicians, hymn- writers, missionaries.

C.O. B A P T I S T A F I LM S SUN NŸS I D E A V E N U E . W H E A T ON . I l l l N O I S

25

M A R C H 1 9 5 4

Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker