We had an interesting evening with the Butlers the other night here at McCrite. We have lunch with the Butlers most days so we knew a bit about our backgrounds. Terry, Lowell and I were invited to their apartment to share hymnals and hymns from our two denominations.. "Pete" and Jo Ann are retired professors from Midwestern Baptist Seminary were they both taught in the music department.
JoAnn taught vocal music while Pete taught hymnology. She had written several books on children's music and several children's hymns. Peter had written over 50 hymns including "Redeemed" a popular Baptist hymn world-wide (a Fanny Crosby hymn for which Pete wrote the music). They also had donated their enormous hymnal collection to the Seminary. Here's more about the collection and the Butlers: https://www.mbts.edu/article/the-butler-collection/
While I haven't sung in a choir for a long time, I do write poetry which Lowell sets to music. So, we shared that. Terry, Lowell's brother, helped us better understand the theology and history of the Reorgaanized Church of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ). Terry and Lowell brought hymnals from their church and I brought "Glory Be to God" our Presyberian hymnal.
But, the stars were the Butlers who showed us several interesting hymnals they still had in their apartment. We shared favorite hymns and looked to see if they were in the Baptist, Presbyterian and RLDS hymnals. We also shared favorite stories about those hymns. The evening ended with Lowell sharing recordings of him singing spirituals and our songs.
We had a great time and hope to repeat it again.
