Priscilla Jane Owens, of Scottish and Welsh descent, was born and died in Baltimore where she was a public school teacher and an untiring worker in the Sunday school. Most of her hymns were written for children’s services.
MUSIC. JESUS SAVES was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick, 1838-1921, a native of Duncannon, Pa. He was a regimental musician during the Civil War and was skilled as an organist, gospel singer, and composer, and was editor and publisher of gospel songs.
335. We’ve a story to tell to the nations
Colin Sterne, 1862-1928
A popular missionary hymn, breathing the spirit of Christ’s great commission: “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
The message of the hymn, in which lies the hope of the nations, is summarized in the chorus.
The words and music are by the same person, Henry Ernest Nichol, who was born at Hull, England, December 10, 1862. He always signed his correct name to a tune, and the anagram “Colin Sterne,” to a hymn. Oxford University gave him his degree in music. His compositions, many of them for the church, have the simplicity and directness of the folk song. The tune here forms a splendid musical setting for the words and may be sung variously, as a solo, duet, all the voices in unison, or in four parts.
336. On the mountain top appearing
Thomas Kelly, 1769-1854
Based on Isa. 52:7: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings.” The hymn was written after the good news came from the island of Tahiti that the first little band of mission workers sent there by the London Missionary Society, was kindly received by the natives, their message heard and welcomed, and that there was every prospect for the success of the mission. Hearing the news, Rev. Thomas Kelly wrote this hymn, entitling it, “On the Good News from Tahiti.” The London Missionary Society met soon afterward for an enthusiastic gathering where this hymn was first sung.