Welcome back, everyone! This week, I am thrilled to delve into the rich history and enduring legacy of hymn number one on my recording, "HYMNS I"—"I Stand Amazed in the Presence." This beloved hymn was penned by the prolific Charles Hutchinson Gabriel around 1905. But who exactly was this musical genius?
Charles Hutchinson Gabriel, born on August 18, 1856, in Wilton, Muscatine County, Iowa, and living until September 14, 1932, was a towering figure in American gospel music. Imagine a life so infused with melody that he crafted between 7,000 and 8,000 songs, many of which still resonate through the 21st-century hymnals we sing today. Under various pseudonyms—Charlotte G. Homer, H. A. Henry, and S. B. Jackson—he created a vast and enduring repertoire.
Picture young Charles on a farm in Iowa, his father leading singing schools right in their home. The air would be filled with the sound of voices learning to harmonize, and there, in the midst of it, a young boy teaching himself to play the family's reed organ. With no formal music training, he began leading his own shape note singing schools at just 17, traveling to share his gift.
I must pause here to reflect on a personal note. My grandmother Jernigan cherished her shaped note hymnals, trying earnestly to pass that sight-singing method on to me. While I grasped it, I found playing by ear came more naturally. This shaped note tradition is a treasured part of my musical heritage. I am proud to say several of my own songs have been published in shaped note hymnals, a feat that would surely make my grandmother's heart swell with pride.
Returning to Gabriel, his musical prowess was well acknowledged in his hometown of Wilton. A charming piece of local lore tells of a pastor at the First Presbyterian Church—be it Pastor Pollock or McAulay—who once asked Gabriel early in the week if he knew a suitable song for the upcoming sermon. By Sunday, Gabriel had composed a new hymn, both lyrics and music. This knack for swift creativity marked his early career.
From 1890 to 1892, Gabriel served as the music director at Grace Methodist Episcopal Church in San Francisco. There, he was tasked with writing a song for a mission celebration, resulting in "Send the Light," his first commercial success. His career later took him to Chicago, where he joined Homer Rodeheaver’s publishing firm in 1912.
Gabriel's personal life saw two marriages, first to Fannie Woodhouse, ending in divorce, and then to Amelia Moore. He had one child from each marriage. He spent his final years in Hollywood, California, passing away at the age of 76. His autobiography, "Sixty Years of Gospel Song," remains a testament to his enduring impact.
In the early 1900s, Charles H. Gabriel reigned as the king of gospel music. His hymns, a departure from the deeply theological and meditative songs of the 1800s, were vibrant, energetic, and easy to remember. Evangelists like Billy Sunday and his song leader, Homer Rodeheaver, found in Gabriel’s music the perfect accompaniment to their revival meetings.
Among Gabriel's extensive catalog, "Oh That Will Be Glory for Me" and "Send the Light" are particularly notable. His prolific output included 35 gospel song collections, numerous Sunday school songbooks, choir collections, and an astonishing 41 Christmas cantatas. He often wrote under pseudonyms, complicating the task of pinpointing his total output.
Yet, the hymn that has perhaps enjoyed the longest-lasting affection is "I Stand Amazed in the Presence." Despite being written in 1905, it feels as timeless as ever, focusing on the sheer awe of Christ’s sacrifice. The raw emotion captured in this hymn resonates deeply—how marvelous, how wonderful indeed!
"I Stand Amazed" was first published in E. O. Excell’s collection, "Praises" (1905). The Rev. Carlton R. Young, editor of The United Methodist Hymnal, describes it as a song of gratitude and praise, rooted in Luke's account of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, an episode uniquely detailed in Luke 22:41-44.
Now, I paired this classic hymn with a portion of my own song, also titled "I Stand Amazed," which I received on April 14, 1991. Inspired by the miracles of Jesus in Matthew 9, particularly verses 32-33, my song was born from a place of deep personal pain and profound spiritual revelation.
1991 was a tumultuous year for me, marked by significant hardships but also incredible spiritual growth. Through it all, Jesus Christ remained a steadfast presence, sustaining me. The depth of His love continually leaves me in awe. This song, turning 33 years old this past April, stands as a testament to that enduring amazement and gratitude.
As I journey through the years, I find myself increasingly in awe of all that God has woven into the tapestry of my life over these 65 years. Each moment, each blessing, and each challenge met with His grace, leaves me standing in utter amazement. If His presence has been this incredible in our earthly walk, just imagine the wonder that awaits us in eternity with Him. It fills my heart with an even deeper sense of awe. May we never cease to be astonished by the boundless greatness of our God and His immense love for us.
And always remember, God loves you, and so do I. Take a moment today to revel in His presence. Feel the warmth of His love surrounding you, and let your heart soar with big dreams, for our God is infinitely grand - and amazing. Never forget, you are never alone—ever. Embrace your true identity as the beloved child of the Father, and go forth to be all He says you are.
Dennis
PS So, as we listen to "I Stand Amazed in the Presence," let’s reflect on the profound wonder of Christ’s sacrifice and the boundless love He extends to each of us. How marvelous! How wonderful!
To hear The Dennis Jernigan Podcast version of this story, go to http://podcast.dennisjernigan.com/e/i-stand-amazed-in-the-presence-i-stand-amazed/
Photo and facts about the life of Charles Hutchinson Gabriel courtesy of Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_H._Gabriel