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Church of the Nativity |
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Music Notes
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(From October 2002 Nativity Tidings) President John Quincy Adams and Religious Music |
| Last month, Nativity recognized National Religious Music Week, but in
times past, this would probably have been announced with a bit of a laugh. Our heritage
recognized songs of faith more readily a number of years ago and it was not uncommon to
hear hymns on the radio. And did you know that John Quincy Adams was a hymn text writer? There were many "firsts" and unique aspects of his presidency, among which, is that the song "Hail to the Chief" became the presidential signature composition while he was in office (as related by Elise Kirk in the book Music at the White House, also printed under the title Musical Highlights from the White House). Adams' particular interest was to paraphrase the Psalms and write them in meter that could more easily be set to music. A number of these were printed in The Christian Psalter: A Collection of psalms and Hymns for Social and Private Worship by William P. Lunt. Below is the first part of the John Quincy Adam's paraphrase of Psalm 23:
Through the years, John Quincy Adams' texts appeared in several hymnals, but none are found in recent ones. We do know, however, that this paraphrasing was an intense labor of love for Adams that tremendously enriched his spiritual life. Thanks to all who participate in Nativity's music program and to this singing congregation; may this hymn-writing president be an inspiration to our corporate worship of our Almighty God and Father. — Karla Porter Books referenced in this article:
A history of the musical tastes of America's first families and the performing artists who have entertained at the White House from George Washington to modern times. a wonderful cultural history, extremely well researched but easy to read with many humorous anecdotes.Provides a wealth of fascinating information about our American presidents and their connections to music. Abraham Lincoln loved opera, Woodrow Wilson played the violin, Franklin Roosevelt liked to sing, and Jimmy Carter was a Wagner enthusiast. Teachers should find it a useful tool for classroom use. Great for anyone who wants to
learn more about the presidency and the musical history of our country. Originally printed under the title: Music at the White House: A History of the American Spirit) See previous Music articles from our Newsletter:  
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