Explore Volume 1 of our series "How Sweet The Sound." The boxed set includes all three volumes for one convenient price of $29.95. Also, a bonus "Heritage of Our Hymns" booklet, by pastor and author Robert J. Morgan, accompanies every box set purchase!

Each volume is also available separately for $14.95.

1. Old Rugged Cross
   
   George Bennard, a traveling evangelist, wrote "The Old Rugged Cross" as he trekked across the Midwest on preaching trips. Listen and enjoy our piano-driven rendition of this favorite hymn.
   
   
   
2. Crown Him with Many Crowns
   

   This song was written by Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring. Our instrumental version is a rich orchestration that celebrates the raw beauty of this beloved hymn.
   
   
   

   
3. Go Tell it on the Mountain
   

   This is an African-American spiritual. It dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, and is often heard around Christmas time, because the lyrics proclaim the nativity scene.
   
   
   

   
4. Blessed Assurance
   
   Fanny Crosby wrote this song on the spot when her friend, Phoebe Knapp, played a melody she'd composed on the piano. Fanny clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Why that says, 'Blessed Assurance!'" And she quickly composed the words for the verses and chorus for this song.
   
   
   
5. Here I Am, Lord
   
   A song quite popular at Catholic masses, Here I Am, Lord is a sacred song composed by Dan Schutte in the late 1700s. It was at this time that the Catholic church began using vernacular hymns in masses. The refrain offers powerful lyrics: Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.
   
   
   
6. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring/Joyful, joyful
   
   Johann Schop composed the underlying chorale melody of this famous piece and Bach later harmonized and orchestrated it.
   
   
   
7. What a Friend We Have in Jesus/Just a Closer Walk With Thee
   
   What a Friend We Have in Jesus was originally written by Joseph M. Scriven in the mid-1800s as a poem. The tune was later composed by Charles Crozat Converse. Just a Closer Walk with Thee was one of the best-known gospel songs throughout the twentieth century, yet little is known about it's origin and development. Enjoy our medley of these two wonderful hymns!
   
   
   
8. Softly and Tenderly
   
   This invitational hymn was written by Will Thompson, an Ohio poet who made a fortune on his publishing house, but whose first love was loading his upright piano on an old wagon and traveling through the small towns of America's heartland, singing and sharing Jesus.
   
   
   
9. Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
   
   This spiritual captures the entire story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus according to the gospels. Sample our version that captures the moving, soulful essence of this spiritual.
   
   
   
10. When the Saints Go Marching In
    
    This well-known and well-loved song was traditionally used as a funeral march. The band, as it accompanied the coffin to the cemetery would play the tune somberly. On the way back, the style would switch to the more upbeat version: the version with which we are most familiar.
    
    
    
11. Farther Along
    
    With lyrics like "Farther along we'll know more about it, Farther along we'll understand why; Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine, We'll understand it all by and by" this spiritual offers hope and encouragement.
    
    
    
12. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
    
    Thomas A. Dorsey moved from Georgia to Chicago and wrote this classic song following the death of his wife and child. We have included vocals by the talented Arthur Henderson: just click play and enjoy!