Hymn of the Week: June 21, 2021
Hymn of the Week:
Make Me a Blessing
Text Ira B. Wilson 1924
Music George Shuler 1924
Inspired by Sue Cherney’s wonderful moment for mission before the Offering at the service on June 20th, this week’s hymn is Make Me a Blessing. Be sure to participate in the Blessing Box happening next week. Here is some information about the upcoming Blessing Box day. Be sure to check your Messenger for ways you can contribute. We are working to fill a Blessing Box at First Presbyterian Church in Newark, 65 N Third St. We will install and dedicate the Blessing Box together with their church on June 27 at 12:30. Everyone is invited! Enjoy this week’s stirring hymn!
Make Me a Blessing
Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and his love,
Tell of his pow'r to forgive;
Others will trust him if only you prove
True, ev'ry moment you live.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Ira B. Wilson’s (1880-1950) sister taught him to play the violin and organ while still at home. Around 1902, Ira began studies at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. In 1905, he went to work for the Lorenz Publishing Company in Dayton, Ohio. His compositions appeared in The Choir Leader and The Choir Herald; he also served as editor in chief of The Volunteer Choir.
“I don’t remember writing the lyrics to that song.” Those were the startling words of Ira B. Wilson to his friends. He held that position until his death, yet his song, “Make Me a Blessing,” lives on in the hearts of millions of Christians in many lands.
In 1924 George Shuler and Ira Wilson were roommates at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. They combined their efforts in giving to the world the wonderful Christian song, “Make Me a Blessing.” Wilson wrote the lyrics and Shuler the musical setting.
At first, the song was rejected by musical publishers. Not to be stopped, Shuler had 1,000 copies printed to distribute on his own. One copy fell into the hands of George Dibble, an outstanding singer who was the music director for the International Sunday School Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. Dibble asked permission to use the song, and it was granted. Soon people everywhere were singing it and publishers were wanting to distribute copies.
The popularity of the song has grown to the extent that Christians in many locations can sing it even by memory.
A strange thing happened to Wilson. He forgot that he wrote the lyrics of the song. From those days until he died he never remembered this poetic creation.
