Stories behind hymns
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with a prayer for Ken Welch’s heart surgery and a blessing for the gathering, then moved into a unique segment called “Name That Song.” Teacher Dave Rich introduced Charles Grant, a Scottish-born trader who amassed wealth in the British East India Company before a personal tragedy—losing two children to smallpox—prompted a profound conversion to Christianity. This transformation reshaped his career and inspired hymn writing that reflected gratitude toward God’s creation. The teacher linked Grant’s newfound devotion to Psalm 104, noting how the psalmist’s depiction of the Creator’s majesty mirrors the hymn’s celebration of the "King of Kings." Throughout the lesson, participants examined historical terms, family dynamics, and the impact of personal loss on worship, reinforcing the importance of scripture as a foundation for hymnody. By the end of the session, the class had not only learned the biographical details of Charles and Robert Grant but also recognized the theological depth behind the hymns they authored. The interactive format encouraged engagement and reinforced the doctrine that singing is rooted in biblical truth, while also providing a supportive community prayer for a brother facing surgery.