Rhiannon Hendricks
The Christian hymn How Great Thou Art has been used in several weddings as a song. The song originated from a poem, O Store Gud (O Great God), written by Swedish poet and lay minister Carl Boberg in 1885. The poem was inspired by a violent thunderstorm Boberg experienced on his way home from church. The lyrics were then matched with a traditional Swedish folk song and first sung in a church in 1888. Since then, the song has gained worldwide popularity and has been recorded over 1700 times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Christian hymn |
| History | The song was originally a poem, "O Store Gud" (O Great God), written by Swedish poet and lay minister Carl Boberg in 1885. The poem was inspired by a sudden violent thunderstorm Boberg experienced on his way home from church. In 1888, the poem was matched with a traditional Swedish folk song and first sung in a church. The English version was created by Stuart Wesley Keene Hine, who first heard the song in 1931 and published the final version in 1949. |
| Popularity | The song has been recorded over 1700 times and has been used in major motion pictures and television programs. It has been named a favorite by at least three U.S. presidents and won Elvis Presley two Grammy Awards. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The song's history and meaning
The Christian hymn "How Great Thou Art" has Swedish roots and was originally a poem set to a Swedish melody. The poem, "O Store Gud" ("O Great God"), was written by the Swedish poet and lay minister Carl Boberg in 1885. According to hymnologist J. Irving Erickson, the poem was inspired by a sudden violent thunderstorm that Boberg experienced on his way home from church. After the storm cleared, Boberg opened his window and looked out towards the sea, hearing the sound of church bells. These sights and sounds inspired the words of "O Store Gud".
The poem was matched with a traditional Swedish folk song and first sung in a church in 1888, three years after it was written. As the hymn gained popularity, its lyrics spread across the world. The English version of the hymn was created by Plymouth Brethren missionary Stuart Wesley Keene Hine, who was first exposed to the song while on an evangelistic mission to the Carpathian Mountains in 1931. Hine was inspired to create his own English paraphrase, which included the phrase "How Great Thou Art" four times in the refrain. Hine finalised his English translation in 1949 and published the final four-verse version in his Russian gospel magazine "Grace and Peace".
As "Grace and Peace" was circulated among refugees in fifteen countries, including North and South America, Hine's version of "O Store Gud" ("How Great Thou Art") became popular in each country it reached. British missionaries brought the song to former British colonies in Africa and India, and it was introduced to the United States in 1951 by a missionary from Central Africa, James Caldwell. The first major American recording of "How Great Thou Art" was by Bill Carle in 1958, and the song has since been recorded over 1,700 times. It has been featured in major films and television programs and has been named a favourite of at least three United States presidents. The song has also been covered by notable performers such as Pentatonix, Jennifer Hudson, and Carrie Underwood.
The song's powerful lyrics and uplifting message have made it a popular choice for weddings, with its theme of praising God's greatness and majesty resonating with couples and their guests. The song's message of love and gratitude towards God can add a spiritual and emotional dimension to a wedding ceremony, making it a memorable and meaningful experience for all those involved.
Royal Wedding: Harry and Meghan's Big Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The original poem and melody
The Christian hymn "How Great Thou Art" is based on a poem written by Swedish poet and lay minister Carl Boberg in 1885. The poem, titled "O Store Gud" ("O Great God"), was inspired by a sudden thunderstorm that Boberg encountered on his way home from church. As the story goes, after the storm had cleared, Boberg opened his window and looked out towards the sea, hearing the sound of church bells ringing in the distance. This experience prompted him to write the poem, which captures his exaltation of God's greatness. The poem was later set to a traditional Swedish folk melody and first sung in a church in 1888.
The Russian pastor Ivan Prokhanoff adapted the poem into Russian in the early 1920s, and it was this version that caught the attention of British missionary Stuart K. Hine. Hine created his own English paraphrase, "How Great Thou Art," inspired by the Russian translation of the German version he had heard while on an evangelistic mission to the Carpathian Mountains in 1931. Hine's version includes the phrase "How Great Thou Art" four times in the refrain. He finalised his English translation in 1949 and published it in his Russian gospel magazine, "Grace and Peace."
Hine's version of "How Great Thou Art" quickly gained popularity around the world. It was first introduced to audiences in the United States by J. Edwin Orr in 1954 and later gained widespread recognition through the Billy Graham New York City Crusade in 1957, where it was sung 99 times. The song has since been recorded over 1,700 times and has been named a favourite by at least three US presidents. It has also been covered by notable artists such as Pentatonix, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, and Elvis Presley, whose rendition won him a Grammy Award in 1967.
The original poem, "O Store Gud," has nine stanzas and captures Boberg's awe and admiration for God's creation and power. The Swedish folk melody that it was set to is said to have added to the beauty and impact of the poem, making it a beloved hymn that is still widely sung and recorded today.
Buddhist Wedding Traditions and Rituals
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Notable recordings of the song
With over 1700 documented recordings, "How Great Thou Art" has been covered by many notable performers. The first major American recording was by Bill Carle in 1958, in a Sacred Records album of the same name. Carle reprised the song on his album "Who Hath Measured the Waters In the Hollow of His Hand" later that year.
The song was the title track of Elvis Presley's second gospel LP, "How Great Thou Art", released in March 1967. Presley's rendition won two Grammy Awards: one in 1967 for "Best Sacred Performance" and another in 1974 for "Best Inspirational Performance (Non-Classical)". Swedish gospel singer Per-Erik Hallin credited Presley's performance as a major factor in the revival of "O Store Gud" in Sweden.
George Beverly Shea's recording of the hymn ranks 204th on the top recordings of the 20th century according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Evangelist Billy Graham praised the song, saying, "The reason I like 'How Great Thou Art' is because it glorifies God. It turns Christian's eyes toward God, rather than upon themselves."
Other notable performers include Pentatonix and Jennifer Hudson, who covered the song in 2017, and country artist Carrie Underwood.
Priscilla's Gypsy Wedding Exit
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's use in popular culture
The Christian hymn "How Great Thou Art" has been used in popular culture across the world. The song has been recorded over 1700 times and has been the favourite hymn of at least three US presidents. It has also been featured in major motion pictures and television programmes. The song has been covered by notable performers such as Pentatonix, Jennifer Hudson, and country artist Carrie Underwood.
In 1958, Bill Carle recorded the first major American recording of "How Great Thou Art" for a Sacred Records album of the same name. Carle reprised the song on his album "Who Hath Measured the Waters In the Hollow of His Hand" later that year. The Manna Music version of the song was popularized as the “signature song” of the 1950s Billy Graham Crusades. It was popularized by George Beverly Shea and Cliff Barrows during Billy Graham's crusades. Shea's recording of the hymn ranks 204th on the top recordings of the 20th century, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
In 1967, Elvis Presley released the song as the title track of his second gospel LP, "How Great Thou Art" (RCA LSP/LPM 3758). Presley's rendition won two Grammy Awards: "Best Sacred Performance" in 1967 and "Best Inspirational Performance (Non-Classical)" in 1974 for his live performance album "Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis". Swedish gospel singer Per-Erik Hallin has credited Presley's interpretation as a significant factor in the revival of "O Store Gud" in Sweden.
In New Zealand, the hymn is widely known through a different hymn called "Whakaaria Mai", with Māori verses composed by Canon Wiremu Te Tau Huata, a chaplain during WWII for the 28th (Māori) Battalion. The Māori lyrics are a loose translation of the hymn "Abide with Me" and are often combined with the English version of "How Great Thou Art". "Whakaaria Mai" was popularized by Sir Howard Morrison, who sang it at the Royal Command Performance in 1981 during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to New Zealand. When Morrison released it as a single in 1982, the song spent six months in the New Zealand national charts, including five weeks at number one. "Whakaaria Mai" has become an integral part of New Zealand's popular culture.
Dr. Manette's Post-Wedding Trauma
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's lyrics
The Christian hymn "How Great Thou Art" is a popular choice for weddings, with its beautiful lyrics and meaningful message. The song has a rich history, starting as a poem set to a Swedish melody and eventually spreading across the globe. Here is a breakdown of the song's lyrics and their significance:
The first verse sets the tone, beginning with a sense of awe and wonder towards God's creation: "O Lord my God, When I, in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed." The chorus then follows, proclaiming: "Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art!"
The second verse continues the theme of nature, painting a peaceful picture of wandering through woods and forests, hearing birds singing, and feeling the gentle breeze. This verse reflects on how God's presence can be felt in the beauty of nature: "When thru the woods and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze." The chorus is repeated after this verse.
The third verse takes a more spiritual turn, reflecting on the sacrifice of Christ and the depth of God's love: "And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on a Cross, my burdens gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin!" The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing the singer's devotion and gratitude.
The fourth verse looks towards the future, anticipating the joy of being reunited with Christ: "When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim: 'My God, how great Thou art!' This verse speaks of the singer's longing for heaven and their desire to worship God eternally.
The hymn "How Great Thou Art" has touched countless lives and continues to be a beloved choice for weddings and other special occasions. Its lyrics, filled with faith, hope, and admiration for God's creation, resonate deeply with Christians worldwide.
Queen's Seat at Harry and Meghan's Wedding
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Christian hymn 'How Great Thou Art' originated as a Swedish poem, 'O Store Gud' (O Great God), written by Swedish poet and lay minister Carl Boberg in 1885. The poem was inspired by a violent thunderstorm Boberg experienced on his way home from church. In 1888, the poem was matched with a traditional Swedish folk song and sung in a church. The English version was later translated by Stuart Wesley Keene Hine and published in 1949.
The lyrics to 'How Great Thou Art' are:
> Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! When thru the woods and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze, Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art! And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in – That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin! Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee; How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Yes, 'How Great Thou Art' is considered to be one of the most popular gospel songs in the world. There have been over 1700 documented recordings of the song, and it has been named a favourite of at least three US presidents. The song has also been covered by notable performers such as Pentatonix, Jennifer Hudson, and Carrie Underwood.
Yes, 'How Great Thou Art' has been featured in major motion pictures and television programmes. It was also the title track of Elvis Presley's second gospel LP, which won him two Grammy Awards.
'How Great Thou Art' is a popular wedding song, often used to surprise the bride and groom during the ceremony. It is a beautiful and powerful hymn that glorifies God and is perfect for a Christian wedding.
