Few persons realize the tremendous effort involved in tracing the authors of our Shaker Hymns. We have always considered that those who received them, were only the channel through which these inspirational messages flowed. In other words, we believe that when an individual is thoroughly consecrated, the personality is lost in the spirit of Christ.
If it wasn’t that we have remembered the circumstances connected with these hymns, their authorship would have been purposely submerged. For our Hymn Books bear only the name of the Society, where the hymn was composed, never its author.
But recently, and only after the author had passed away, did we consent to give out these biographical facts, for we believe that a talent to create a work of art, to invent or compose, is God-given. It is a gift, and we are but the tools chosen to be used in His service. We have, it is true, the power to increase these talents, by study and by application; but we are to take no credit for these gifts, for we are merely His instruments, and they are loaned to us, to be used for the blessing of others. One of our lovely old hymns ably expresses this sentiment in the words,
“Lost in the tide of doing good,
Thy Master’s humble name.
So thy discipleship record,
Beyond all earthly fame.”
Music used in Church Service was without instrumental accompaniment, as the mixed voices of the members, formed an adequate chorus. However, as diminished numbers left the singers without the assistance of male voices, an organ was introduced for vocal support.
Many persons are curious as to the reason for using dancing or marching, in our earlier religious services. It is amazing how much sound reason is behind the thinking of the early Shaker leaders, and how much psychology was employed.
It was the belief of the Shakers that every faculty should be used in the worship of God, and so, various forms of physical exercise were introduced, particularly the March. A group of eight or ten singers, occupied the center of the room, around which the members marched in perfect formation. It was with a graceful, rhythmic motion of the hands as the members marched to the slow or quick tempo of the music.