Isaac Watts, the “Father of English Hymnody” was a musical rebel. Born in the English town of Southampton in 1674, the Watts family were dedicated “Dissenters.” They refused to join the state religion and worshiped independently, establishing their own worship communities. They wanted to worship without the strictures of government regulations. They were persecuted for their beliefs and actions.

Isaac was the oldest of nine children and noted for his brilliance from childhood. His intelligence was recognized by a local physician who wanted to finance his higher education but as a dissenter, he could not attend the state universities. At sixteen, he left home to attend an independent academy in London where he graduated with honors.

When he returned home, he worshipped at the Above Bar Congregational Church. “One day, discontented with the quality of singing at the church, he wrote a hymn for the church to sing. This was a new and radical innovation, for at that time only the Psalms of David were sung in the English churches.” (Then Sings My Soul Book 2, Robert J Morgan, p.19)*

The daring Above Bar Congregational Church tried the new hymn, liked it and asked for more. Watts wrote new music for the congregation for two and a half more years. This time is referred to as the “Golden Years”* of his hymn writing. Watts was twenty years old at the time.

When you read and listen to this beautiful hymn “We are Marching to Zion,” think about the lyrics in the timeframe of 1674. This was a time of rigid and severe teachings. The era of Puritanism and forced worship. The courageous members of the Above Bar Congregational Church took a risk to use this hymn.

They asked the congregation to “Come we that love the Lord, And let our joys be known!”  These words describe an intimate relationship with God. This is not a distant unfeeling God, but one who loves his children compassionately and unconditionally. What insight this young composer had into the person of God. How brave to put these words into action.

The Above Bar Congregational Church was destroyed in 1940 during the German bombing of Southampton. They were able to save the church records and the bust of Isaac Watts.

When I listened and watched this video of the Daima Choir performing “We Are Marching to Zion,” my heart sang along with them. They are actually marching, smiling, enjoying the energy that comes from the beautiful words and the feeling of love that surrounds them. I hope that your heart sings too!

Terri

Read Psalm 50