Скачать или смотреть Amazing Grace (St Mark's Anglican Granville Hymnfest 2025: 07) - John Hanna

This was the seventh item in the St Mark's Granville Hymnfest, held on 18 October 2025. The hymns were sung in three languages.

'Amazing Grace' was written by John Newton (1725-1807) and published in 1769. Newton went to sea when he was 11 and had what has been referred to as a 'licentious and tumultuous sailing life,' ultimately becoming the captain of a slave ship. Converted at 23, he ultimately gave up the slave trade and became an abolitionist. He was ordained in the Church of England in 1864 and served in the ministry until his death. He wrote a number of hymns, the best-known being 'Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken,' 'How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds' and 'Amazing Grace.'

'Amazing Grace' was based on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17: 'Then King David went in, sat in the Lord’s presence, and said,''Who am I, Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me this far? This was a little thing to you, God, for you have spoken about your servant’s house in the distant future. You regard me as a man of distinction, Lord God.''' (CSB)

The tune, known variously as 'Amazing Grace' or 'New Britain,' has been associated with the hymn since the 1830s. It is an American folk tune, but believed to be of Scottish or Irish origin.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.

God’s grace first taught my heart to fear,
his grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, trials and snares
I have already come;
his grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
my shield and stronghold he shall be
as long as life endures.