Valley Baptist Church - Olive Drive Campus

05/05/2026

Will Thompson wrote "Softly and Tenderly". He was born in 1847 in Ohio and was a gifted musician. He ended up studying at the Boston Conservatory of Music in his early twenties, then went over and studied some more in Germany. His talents with music were obvious, and he began writing songs that were very popular. In fact, he made quite a good living from his music, writing secular songs that people really liked.

Somewhere along the line he must have become a Christian, because he started to write gospel songs, and they too became extremely popular. He was known as a fine Christian man, a gentle and kind man of God. He owned a music shop and a music publishing company, and everybody who knew him knew him as a man of God. In fact, Thompson had quite a busy music ministry. He would travel around in a horse and buggy to small towns in Ohio, singing his songs wherever he went. He was so well known because of this.

Undoubtedly his most well-known song was "Softly and Tenderly". It was a much-loved song from the moment he released it, and something about the song resonated with people. There was a tenderness to it—as the name actually suggests—that really brought the gospel truth to people in a very gentle and lovely way.

In fact, the great evangelist D.L. Moody, who had such a passion for bringing people to God, would use the song at his meetings as an invitational hymn. It is said that when Moody was on his deathbed, he said to Thompson that he would rather have written "Softly and Tenderly" than anything else that he'd done. So powerful is this song that even Moody recognised its ability to bring people to God.
Reprinted from: Softly and Tenderly: The Story Behind the Classic Hymn by Will Thompson — Luke Powell Ministries

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See on the portals He's waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me

Come home come home
Ye who are weary come home
Earnestly tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling O sinner come home

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading
Pleading for you and for me
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies
Mercies for you and for me

Time is now fleeting the moments are passing
Passing from you and from me
Shadows are gathering deathbeds are coming
Coming for you and for me

Oh for the wonderful love He has promised
Promised for you and for me
Though we have sinned He has mercy and pardon
Pardon for you and for me

Alan Jackson – Official Video for “Softly And Tenderly Live”, available now!Buy the full-length DVD/CD Alan Jackson Precious Memories: Live at the Ryman Audi...

04/28/2026

“Just As I Am” is one of the few hymns for which we know not only the author’s story but also the exact circumstances in which it was written. Charlotte Elliott of Brighton, England (1789–1871) was either born, or in early life had become, an invalid. Her life was a testimony to patient endurance in suffering, not only physical, but also emotional and spiritual. This was the context in which she wrote the hymn, as her nephew the Rev. Handley C. G. Moule recounted it in 1897:
“But ill health still beset her . . . it often caused her the peculiar pain of a seeming uselessness in her life while the circle around her was full of unresting service-ableness for God. Such a time of trial marked the year 1834, when she was forty-five years old, and living in Westfield Lodge, Brighton”.
Her brother, the Rev. H. V. Elliott, had not long before conceived the plan of St. Mary’s Hall, at Brighton — a school designed to give, at nominal cost, a high education to the daughters of clergymen. In aid of St. Mary’s Hall there was to be held a bazaar. Westfield Lodge was all astir; every member of the large circle was occupied morning and night in the preparations, with the one exception of the ailing sister Charlotte — as full of eager interest as any of them, but physically fit for nothing.
The night before the bazaar she was kept wakeful by distressing thoughts of her apparent uselessness; and these thoughts passed — by a transition easy to imagine — into a spiritual conflict, till she questioned the reality of her whole spiritual life, and wondered whether it were anything better than an illusion of the emotions, an illusion ready to be sorrowfully dissolved.
The next day, the busy day of the bazaar, she lay upon her sofa. The troubles of the night came back upon her with such force that she felt they must be met and conquered in the grace of God. She gathered up in her soul the great certainties, not of her emotions, but of her salvation: her Lord, his power, his promise. And taking pen and paper from the table she deliberately set down in writing, for her own comfort, ‘the formula of her faith.’
Hers was a heart which always tended to express its depths in verse. So in verse she restated to herself the gospel of pardon, peace, and heaven.
(Quoted from Louis Benson, Studies of Familiar Hymns, Second Series, 201-202)
Within a matter of years Ms. Elliott had the hymn published in The Invalid’s Hymn Book, and from there it spread and gained in popularity.
Just as I am – without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
– O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am – and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
– O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am – though toss’d about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
– O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am – poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
– O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am – Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
– O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am – Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
– O Lamb of God, I come!
Just as I am – of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,

500 likes, 7 comments. "Just As I Am"

04/21/2026

Arabella Katherine Hankey (1834-1911) was the daughter of a wealthy banker and was associated with the Clapham sect of William Wilberforce, a group of prominent evangelical Anglicans from the Clapham area of London. This group helped to establish the British and Foreign Bible Society, promoted the abolition of slavery, and was involved in improving the lot of England's working classes. Hankey taught Bible classes for shop girls in London, visited the sick in local hospitals, and used the proceeds of her writings to support various mission causes.

While recovering from a lengthy illness at age 30, she wrote a poem on the life of Christ. This poem had two sections, the first published in January 1866 and entitled The Story Wanted, the second published later that year in November under the title The Story Told. “I love to tell the story” is drawn from stanzas in the second section. The text of the refrain was written by the composer of the music, William G. Fisher, in 1869. (A musician herself, Hankey wrote her own tunes for the text, but others found little use for them.)

The personal, intimate language comes through in such phrases, for example, as "it [the story] satisfies my longings as nothing else can do" (stanza one) and "it did so much for me, and that is just the reason I tell it now to thee" (stanza two). Hankey is passionate about this story and how it has changed her life. In the refrain the word "love" takes on a double meaning -- both about the state of the singer and the message of Jesus: "I love to tell the story . . . of Jesus and his love."

I love to tell the story of unseen things above:
of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true.
It satisfies my longings as nothing else could do.

Refrain:
I love to tell the story,
’twill be my theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story. ’Tis pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
the message of salvation from God’s own holy word.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting to hear it, like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
’twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Alan Jackson – Official Video for “I Love To Tell The Story”, available now!Buy the full-length DVD/CD ‘Alan Jackson Precious Memories: Live at the Ryman Aud...

04/14/2026

“Mansion Over the Hilltop” was written by Ira F. Stanphill in 1949.

He is described as a gifted musician, who had been playing the piano, organ and other instruments since he was ten years old. He was composing songs and singing by the age of seventeen.

He went on to become a pastor and was known as a singing evangelist. Ira Stanphill was inspired to write “Mansion Over the Hilltop” by another minister, either Rev. Albert Ott or Rev. Gene Martin. Whether during a sermon or conversation is unclear, but Stanphill heard the following story:
“One day a wealthy man facing bankruptcy took a drive through the rural part of the country. As he passed one particular house it caught his attention. It was needing a paint job and repairs of all kinds. The broken window glasses were replaced with oil paper. Many shingles as well as part of the roof were missing which made him wonder how the house was even still standing. A young girl about the age of 8 or 9 and poorly dressed was playing in the front yard. The man was compelled to stop and talk to the young girl. In their conversation, he mentioned how sorry he was that she lived in such a poor surrounding. The little girl excitedly asked him, “Why haven’t you heard? My daddy just inherited a fortune and he’s building us a mansion just over that hill over there. Don’t know when it will be done, but I won’t have to live in this house forever.”

Stanphill wrote the song that evening.

I'm satisfied with just a cottage below
A little silver and a little gold
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I want a gold one that's silver lined

I've got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold

Though often tempted, tormented, and tested
And like the prophet my pillow a stone
And though I find here no permanent dwelling
I know He'll give me a mansion my own

Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely
I'm not discouraged I'm heaven bound
I'm but a pilgrim in search of the city
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown

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04/07/2026

On December 29, 1876, Philip and Lucy Bliss were traveling through Ashtabula, Ohio on the Pacific Express train to an engagement in Chicago. While the train was in the process of crossing a trestle bridge, which collapsed, all seven carriages fell into the icy ravine below. Bliss survived the fall and escaped from the wreck, but the carriages caught fire and Bliss returned to try to extricate his wife.

Although he was advised against it, Bliss headed back into the fire, saying: “If I cannot
save her, I will perish with her.” The young couple did not survive.

No trace of either body was discovered. Ninety-two of the 159 passengers are believed to have died in what became known as the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster.

Most of the cargo was burned but a few remains were retrieved from the accident site.
Found in his trunk, which somehow survived the crash and fire, was a manuscript bearing the lyrics of the only well-known Bliss Gospel song for which he did not write a tune. The lyrics found were titled “My Redeemer”.

Soon thereafter, set to a tune specially written for it by James McGranahan, it became one of the first songs recorded by Thomas Alva Edison, that song being “I Will Sing of My Redeemer.”

The Bliss’ were survived by their two young sons, who were staying with their grandparents at the time of the accident.

“I Will Sing of My Redeemer” was probably the last song that Bliss penned before this tragedy took place, however against all odds the song survived and grew in popularity.
https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/will-sing-redeemer/

I will sing of my Redeemer
and his wondrous love to me;
on the cruel cross he suffered,
from the curse to set me free.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer!
With his blood he purchased me;
on the cross he sealed my pardon,
paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,
how my lost estate to save,
in his boundless love and mercy,
he the ransom freely gave.
I will praise my dear Redeemer,
his triumphant power I'll tell:
how the victory he gives me
over sin and death and hell.

I will sing of my Redeemer
and his heavenly love for me;
he from death to life has brought me,
Son of God, with him to be.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer!
With his blood he purchased me;
on the cross he sealed my pardon,
paid the debt, and made me free.

https://youtu.be/HU5hhE9cN6A

03/18/2026

The ODC Choir is singing on Easter Sunday morning (April 5). We rehearse this coming Monday (March 23) at 6:00 in Building 10. No audition required.

03/09/2026

“He lifted me” was written by Charles Gabriel.

Charles Hutchison Gabriel, was born in a shanty on a prairie in Iowa on August 18, 1856. He spent the first seventeen years of his life on an Iowa farm. When he was very young, the settlers would gather at the Gabriel shanty to sing hymns, with his father leading the singing. Because of this, he showed interest in hymn writing as a lad. When his family got an organ, he taught himself to play.

At sixteen he became a music teacher, without the benefit of ever receiving a formal music lesson himself. His fame as a composer and teacher became well known. From 1890-1892, he was music director at Grace Methodist Episcopal Church in California. After that, he settled in Chicago.

From 1895-1912, he published a lot of collections. In 1912, he met with the “Homer Rodeheaver” publishing firm and became their music editor. He maintained this relationship until his death in 1932.

He wrote the music for an estimated 8,000 gospel songs, often putting the words to his own music.

In loving kindness Jesus came
My soul in mercy to reclaim,
And from the depths of sin and shame
Through grace He lifted me.

Refrain:
From sinking sand He lifted me,
With tender hand He lifted me,
From shades of night to plains of light,
O praise His name, He lifted me!

He called me long before I heard,
Before my sinful heart was stirred,
But when I took Him at His word,
Forgiven He lifted me.

His brow was pierced with many a thorn,
His hands by cruel nails were torn,
When from my guilt and grief, forlorn,
In love He lifted me.

Now on a higher plane I dwell,
And with my soul I know ’tis well;
Yet how or why, I cannot tell,
He should have lifted me.

He Lifted MeCharles Gabriel, 1905, public domain 1 In loving-kindness Jesus camemy soul in mercy to reclaim,and from the depths of sin and shamethrough grace...

02/24/2026

“Lead on, O King Eternal” was written by Ernest Shurtleff.

The hymn’s context was Shurtleff’s graduation from Andover Theological College (now the Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School) in 1887. Rather than a militaristic battle cry, the first stanza situates the hymn during the graduation ceremony with all the enthusiasm this entails. “The day of march has come” refers to the graduation itself, including the procession of graduates that takes place at such ceremonies. “Fields of conquest” describes the ministry upon which the graduates are now embarking. “Thy tents shall be our home” portrays the various places of ministry and service that lie ahead of the graduates. “Through days of preparation” is an apparent reference to the years of study that the graduates undertook and completed to reach this day. “Thy faith has made us strong” indicates that the graduates have grown in both academic ability and spiritual insight. Seen in this light, “our battle song” is an enthusiastic expression of zeal and commitment by the graduates rather than soldiers armed for a fight.

Lead on, O King eternal,
the day of march has come;
henceforth in fields of conquest
your tents will be our home.
Through days of preparation
your grace has made us strong;
and now, O King eternal,
we lift our battle song.

Lead on, O King eternal,
till sin's fierce war shall cease,
and holiness shall whisper
the sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords' loud clashing
or roll of stirring drums
with deeds of love and mercy
the heavenly kingdom comes.

Lead on, O King eternal;
we follow, not with fears,
for gladness breaks like morning
where'er your face appears.
Your cross is lifted o'er us,
we journey in its light;
the crown awaits the conquest;
lead on, O God of might.

Provided to YouTube by CDBabyLead On, O King Eternal · AcapeldridgeWhatever Is Pure℗ 2019 AcapeldridgeReleased on: 2019-11-15Auto-generated by YouTube.

02/17/2026

In 1890, Charles Gabriel was called to Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, in San Francisco, CA as music director. While serving this church he wrote “Send the Light”, when the Sunday School superintendent asked for a missionary hymn for Easter Sunday to highlight the Golden Offering.

The hymn was first sung on March 6, 1890 with great enthusiasm. A visiting missionary heard the song and loved it so much that he carried it back east with him. The hymn became immediately popular.

The text is believed to be based on Acts 16, when Paul has the vision of the Man of Macedonia asking for help and to “Please, send the light.”

In 1912, Gabriel moved to Chicago, IL and began working with Homer Rodeheaver’s publishing company. From then on he supported himself writing hymns. He is known to have written over 7,000 hymns, including “His Eye on Sparrow”, “I stand Amazed in the Presence”, and “Higher Ground”.

Homer A. Rodeheaver, Gabriel’s boss, was the music director for revival evangelist Billy Sunday and used many of Gabriel’s songs in the evangelist campaigns. This brought great fame and success for Gabriel and allowed him to support himself as a composer.

There's a call comes ringing o'er the restless wave, "Send the light! Send the light"
There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save,
Send the light!
Send the light!

Chorus:
Send the light, the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore!

We have heard the Macedonian call today,"Send the light! Send the light!"
And a golden off'ring at the cross we lay,
Send the light!
Send the light!

Let us pray that grace may ev'rywhere abound, "Send the light! Send the light!"
And a Christ-like spirit ev'rywhere be found,
Send the light!
Send the light!

Let us not grow weary in the work of love, "Send the light! Send the light!"
Let us gather jewels for a crown above,
Send the light!
Send the light!

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02/10/2026

“O, to be like Thee” was written by Thomas Obadiah Chisholm (1866-1960). Chisholm was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. He educated himself and became a school teacher at the age of 16. By the age of 21 he was an associate editor of his local newspaper. He was born again at age 27. After hearing his mentor, Dr. Henry Clay Morrison, at a revival service, he penned the words of "O, To Be Like Thee". He knew, as a new believer, how his life compared to God's, and so he called out to Him. Chisholm's words show the zeal of this new Christian, as he sought the character traits of Jesus, not merely to admire them, but to shape himself. Later the words were put to music by William James Kirpatrick. Thomas' physical condition would be a challenge in the period following the hymn's publication in 1897, as he pursued being editor of the Pentecostal Herald in Louisville and then ordained ministry. Both of these efforts were suspended because of poor health. He must have wondered how his desire to serve and be like Jesus would be accomplished, as he was forced to abandon editing and preaching in pretty short order. But throughout his life he kept writing poetry, ultimately authoring some 1,200 poems, including 800 that were eventually in print. Probably his most famous hymn is "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" which he wrote when he was fifty-seven. The words of these two hymns might be his personal diary. He started his spiritual journey with the stated desire to be like Jesus. And as he neared the end of his journey on this earth he proclaimed God's greatness and faithfulness. What a testimony. May this be our experience and testimony as well. https://barryshymns.blogspot.com/2014/12/o-to-be-like-thee.html

Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

Oh! to be like Thee, lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.

Oh! to be like Thee, Lord, I am coming,
Now to receive th’ anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.

Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.

https://youtu.be/KrYhiK2nQBg

O To be like Thee