Amazing Grace

arr. William Himes

Amazing Grace is a traditional hymn by John Newton (1725-1807) of London, England. Commander of a slave ship, he exclaimed in the midst of a violent storm that would surely sink his vessel, “Lord, have mercy upon us.” The ship survived and Newton began to believe that God had addressed him through the storm and that grace had begun to work for him. He left the seafaring life, educated himself and became a Methodist minister in Olney, Buckinghamshire. This version was arranged by William Himes, Conductor of the Salvation Army Staff Band in Chicago.

Verse 5:
“Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.”

Last updated on March 25, 2014 by Palatine Concert Band