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Notes on Oscar Ahnfelt from Sing It Again
Summer 1994
Although the parish [in which Ahnfelt’s family lived] was near an area strongly influenced by Herrnhut piety, Jonas Ahnfelt had no sympathy for Moravians or Pietists. The atmosphere of the home was cultured, and eminent people were frequent guests.
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Where We Got Our Hymns — Interlude
Winter 1992
How does one describe a weekend of spirited hymn singing, concerts, inspirational worship, and engaging lectures? A serendipity? A mountain top experience?
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Where We Got Our Hymns—Chapter 4
Fall 1992
The early Pietists sounded a new note in Swedish hymnody. This was especially true of Jacob Arrhenius (1642-1725), a professor of history at Uppsala University. Several of his lyrics were included in Jesper Swedberg’s edition of the Psalmbok in 1694.
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Where We Got Our Hymns — Chapter 3
Summer 1992
In Jesper Swedberg’s Psalmbok of 1694, there appeared a text that was to become the most popular summer hymn in Sweden — “Den blomstertid nu kommer” (Now Comes the Time for Flowers).
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Where We Got Our Hymns—Chapter 2
Spring 1992
There was an increase in hymn productivity after the Reformation and in the 17th century in Scandinavia. More German chorale type psalms were translated, and clergy and laity alike expressed their praise in original hymnody. Among the German writers whose works were translated into Swedish was Johann Franck (1618-1677). He is represented in our hymnal by “Praise the Lord Each Tribe and Nation” (56).
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Where We Got Our Hymns
Winter 1991
It is interesting to note how the hymnals of all groups, including the emigrant churches, have moved to a greater inclusiveness of the whole Christian tradition. This has been true of the hymnals of the Evangelical Covenant Church as well, although material peculiar to that particular heritage has not been sacrificed. This cannot be said of any other denomination that has its roots in Scandinavia. It seems that the Covenant has become the custodian of this tradition. It is with this tradition that this series is concerned.
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Lina Sandell at North Park
Summer 1991
On a trip to Sweden in 1975 I visited Fröderyd, a little town in the province of Småland. This was the birthplace and early home of Karolina Sandell-Berg. The little cottage in which she lived is now a museum. Beside it is an ancient ash tree. She was said to be sitting on one of its boughs while she wrote “Tryggare kan ingen vara” (Children of the Heavenly Father).
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Pärleporten Revival
Fall 1990
"He the Pearly Gates Will Open"
