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Notes on Higher Ground HymnText Writer, Johnson Oatman, Jr. and Composer, Charles Gabriel
The hymn "Higher Ground" was written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. and composed by Charles H. Gabriel. The Bible reference is Philippians 3:14, to press forward for God's call.
The hymn "Higher Ground" has a secure place in the American hymnology. The scripture reference is found in Philippians 3:14 of The Bible's New Testament: "I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus." (NIV) According to J. H. Hall, Biographies of Gospel Song and Hymn Writers, "Nothing can bring forth more shouts at a camp meeting of "Glory," "Hallelujah," than the singing of "Higher Ground." Hymn Writer Johnson Oatman, Jr.American hymn writer Johnson Oatman, Jr. was born near Medford, New Jersey, on April 21, 1856. He became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church when he was 19 years of age. Although he never pastored a church, he was licensed to preach and was ordained by his denomination. Early on in life, he was involved in the family's mercantile business, but when his father died, he entered the insurance business. In 1892, he was 36 years old, he started writing gospel songs, and, from then until his death in 1922, he wrote about 3,000 gospel hymn texts. Reportedly, he generally averaged 4 to 5 new texts each week, all through his life from this period. Notably, he received no more than a dollar for each of his songs. His texts were always in great demand by the leading gospel musicians of his day, including Charles Gabriel, William James Kirkpatrick and Edwin Excell. Composer Charles H. GabrielAmerican composer Charles Hutchinson Gabriel was born on August 18, 1856, in Wilton, Iowa. Gabriel is generally considered to be the most popular and influential gospel song writer during the Billy Sunday – Homer Rodeheaver evangelistic crusade, in 1910-1920. In his association with the Rodeheaver Publishing Company as music editor, Gabriel continued his prolific musical output until his death on September 15, 1932, in Los Angeles, California. Gabriel wrote more than an estimated 8,000 gospel songs including the editing of numerous compilations and hymnals. He also authored both the text and music of his many songs. Sometimes, he used a pseudonym, 'Charlotte G. Homer,' in his texts. Beginning Lines of the Hymn"I'm pressing on the upward way, New heights I'm gaining everyday. Still praying as I'm onward bound, "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground." Chorus: "Lord, lift me up and let me stand By faith on heaven's table land, A higher plane than I have found, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground." Oatman's Popular Hymn Texts
Gabriel's Popular Hymns Music
Lyrics and MusicSources101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, Michigan, 1985 Holy Bible, New International Version, Hodder & Stoughton, UK, 2001
The copyright of the article Notes on Higher Ground Hymn in Christian Music is owned by Tel Asiado. Permission to republish Notes on Higher Ground Hymn in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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