462. I hear the Savior say
Elvina M. Hall, 1818-?
A much-used and much-loved revival hymn which came into use, especially in Methodist churches, several years before Moody’s great revivalistic movement.
Mrs. Elvina M. Hall (later Mrs. Myers), author of the words, was born in Alexandria, Va., in 1818. She composed this hymn, strangely enough, while sitting in the choir of the M. E. Church, Baltimore, pencilling the first draft on a fly-leaf of a hymn book, The New Lute of Zion, during the pastor’s prayer! It is the only hymn known that can be traced to such an origin. The author’s mind, indeed, wandered from the immediate service of worship, but it did not stray from God and prayer.
MUSIC. ALL TO CHRIST. John T. Grape, born in Baltimore, Md., 1833, was choir director in his church when he wrote the tune, after having made it “a matter of prayer and study.” He writes that “it was pronounced very poor by my choir and my friends, but my dear wife persistently declared it was a good piece of music and would live.” Mrs. Grape’s faith was justified by the wide reception and use the tune has enjoyed. The minister of the church, Rev. Mr. Schrick, liked the tune upon hearing it and suggested that it be used with the words written by Mrs. Elvina M. Hall. This was done, and the song started on its career. It was first published in a volume called, Sabbath Chords.