Notes on Higher Ground Hymn

Text Writer, Johnson Oatman, Jr. and Composer, Charles Gabriel

Jun 9, 2008

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. Gabriel

American 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

Oatman's Popular Hymn Texts

Gabriel's Popular Hymns Music

Lyrics and Music

Sources

101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, Michigan, 1985

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