The History of “Amazing Grace”

mkj • March 31, 2015

You know the lyrics but do you know the story behind the iconic hymn?

The English poet John Newton published “Amazing Grace” in 1779. The song about forgiveness and God’s mercy was written out of personal experience. John grew up without any specific religious conviction, but his life’s path eventually led him into the service of the Lord.

As a young man, he was forced into the Royal Navy before becoming involved in the Atlantic slave trade. In 1748, a violent storm battered his ship and John begged for God’s mercy, a moment that marked his spiritual conversion and led him to begin studying Christian theology.

John was ordained by the Church of England in 1764 and soon began writing hymns with William Cowper. The lyrics of “Amazing Grace” were written for the 1773 New Year’s sermon; likely there was no accompanying music, the congregation simply chanted the lyrics together.

The song was later published in Newton and Cowper’s Olney Hymns and remained rather unknown in England. However, in America, “Amazing Grace” was used significantly during the Second Great Awakening. The song has been associated with over 20 melodies, but joined with the tune of “New Britain” in 1835 to which it is most frequently sung today.

Performed over ten million times annually, “Amazing Grace” has withstood the test of time. Its message of redemption and God’s compassion connects to all people and will continue to impact generations to come. So many families have drawn strength from the words and the melodies when they have lost the love of their life.

The History of “Amazing Grace”

Moloney Family Funeral Homes

The post The History of “Amazing Grace” appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.

Newer Post >

Does It Matter If I Attend the Funeral?

By mkj • August 16, 2023

Today, like never before, family and friends are spread out all over the country. School, jobs, or just personal preferences can cause us to move hundreds or thousands of miles away from each other. Combine distance with work/family responsibilities and financial or health issues and getting together for a funeral can prove to be very… The post Does It Matter If I Attend the Funeral? appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes. The post Does It Matter If I Attend the Funeral? appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.

Introducing: Our FREE Planning Tool Kit

By mkj • August 8, 2023

Planning is something most of us do every day in one way or another, whether it’s making a dinner reservation at a restaurant or booking airplane tickets for summer vacation. Making arrangements for the future can provide peace of mind and some certainty in an uncertain world. At Moloney Family Funeral Homes, our dedicated staff… The post Introducing: Our FREE Planning Tool Kit appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes. The post Introducing: Our FREE Planning Tool Kit appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.

Grief Help After the Loss of a Grandparent

By mkj • August 8, 2023

Losing a grandparent is something many of us experience in life and often our first introduction to grief. The death of a grandmother or grandfather is a difficult event that often leads to complex feelings of grief. No matter how young or old we are, we may need help coping with the grief of losing… The post Grief Help After the Loss of a Grandparent appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes. The post Grief Help After the Loss of a Grandparent appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.

Why More People Are Choosing Cremation for Their Loved Ones

By mkj • July 3, 2023

More Americans than ever are choosing cremation – and it’s estimated that the number will only continue to rise. Our staff members at Moloney Family Funeral Home receive a lot of questions from our neighbors in Lake Ronkonkoma, Holbrook, and Central Islip about why this is the case. There are many reasons families are choosing cremation rather… The post Why More People Are Choosing Cremation for Their Loved Ones appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes. The post Why More People Are Choosing Cremation for Their Loved Ones appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.

The Gathering of a Lifetime

By mkj • June 8, 2023

Here at Moloney Family Funeral Homes, our experienced staff members have seen the benefits of planning a reception for your loved one. A reception is a gathering of a lifetime that is most often held after a funeral or cremation. We encourage families to plan a reception to facilitate the healing process following the death… The post The Gathering of a Lifetime appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes. The post The Gathering of a Lifetime appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.

How to Support Someone Who Has Lost a Child

By mkj • June 2, 2023

Experiencing the death of a child is something no parent should have to go through. The pain is unimaginable. At Moloney Funeral Home, we often field questions about how to support loved ones after the death of a child. While there are no easy answers, here are some helpful tips our staff has put together.… The post How to Support Someone Who Has Lost a Child appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes. The post How to Support Someone Who Has Lost a Child appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.

Creative Ways to Celebrate Mothers on Mother’s Day

By mkj • May 9, 2023

At Moloney Family Funeral Homes, we look forward to celebrating the mothers in our lives each May. Our experienced staff loves to observe this springtime holiday in unique ways. Whether you’re spending Mother’s Day traveling somewhere new or hanging out at home, here are some creative ways to celebrate your mom on Mother’s Day: … The post Creative Ways to Celebrate Mothers on Mother’s Day appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes. The post Creative Ways to Celebrate Mothers on Mother’s Day appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.

Tips for Choosing Your Final Resting Place

By mkj • May 5, 2023

Our knowledgeable staff at Moloney Funeral Home knows how challenging it can be for some of our neighbors in Lake Ronkonkoma, Holbrook, and Central Islip to decide where they’d like to be laid to rest. There are so many options and many important factors to consider. Here are some tips to keep in mind when… The post Tips for Choosing Your Final Resting Place appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes. The post Tips for Choosing Your Final Resting Place appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.

Funeral Preplanning: It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds

By mkj • April 25, 2023

For many people, planning of any sort can be a cause of stress. Making end-of-life plans can be even more anxiety-ridden. At Moloney Family Funeral Homes, our staff encourages families in Hauppage, Center Moriches, and Port Jefferson Station to make their funeral arrangements ahead of time. There are many benefits to planning your service in… The post Funeral Preplanning: It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes. The post Funeral Preplanning: It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.

Personalization: Show What Made Your Loved One Special

By mkj • April 6, 2023

At Moloney Funeral Home, we believe every life in Lake Ronkonkoma, Holbrook, and Central Islip represents a unique story. When it comes time to say goodbye to your loved one, our goal is to help you tell their story in the most meaningful, personal way possible. Our trained staff will spend time with you, listen… The post Personalization: Show What Made Your Loved One Special appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes. The post Personalization: Show What Made Your Loved One Special appeared first on Moloney Family Funeral Homes.