We went for a drive earlier this week (my wife and I), and enjoyed some territory that we don’t often see. Our route meandered on small roads south of Kidron, heading into Holmes County, before swinging through Millersburg and then losing ourselves again on tiny roads through idyllic hills and Amish farms on our way back north.
One road in particular caught my attention, and it was suddenly necessary to burst into song. Juanita, dear wife that she is - a gem who is rarely surprised at my moments of unpredictability and spontaneity - she looked at me quizzically as if I was falling off my rocker. I don’t blame her. She just wasn’t making the connection. I pointed out the road sign - number 606 - and then she knew why I was singing.
 |
For many of you, that number is meaningless, but if you’re a Mennonite, it’s a number of special significance. Really, it is. Number 606 in “The Mennonite Hymnal,” is a song titled “Praise God From Whom.” That particular hymnal was published in 1969, and that particular song very soon became a great favorite, sung with gusto and joy in acappella four-part harmony. Many years ago it earned the label, “The Mennonite Anthem.” Don’t let the title fool you. This is not the regular doxology by the same name. This one always makes the hairs stand up on my arms when singing it while being surrounded by many other people lifting their voices together in praise.
A later hymnal, now more commonly used in Mennonite Congregations, “Hymnal, A Worship Book,” also includes the song, but now it is number 118. But make no mistake, for Mennonites of my generation, it will ALWAYS be 606.
I’d love to think that many of you will take the opportunity to listen to the song on the following link. Garrison Keillor and Prairie Home Companion visited Goshen College a little over a year ago, and this song was part of his program - sung by the Goshen College Chamber Choir and the audience. Really, if you’re interested in learning about something the Mennonites love, listen to the song, and while you’re at it, get a nice cool glass of tea, and listen to about fifteen minutes of the show. After the song, Garrison sings a humorous (but true) song of his own writing about the Mennonites, followed by a short segment on the history of the Mennonites in his own humorous and inimitable style. Please have a listen. You won’t be sorry. (And if you’re a Mennonite, or from Mennonite roots, it will not surprise me to learn that you had to hum along - perhaps even sang along with great enthusiasm.) After clicking on the link, turn your volume up, click on the little black arrow, and enjoy!
From Kidron, Ohio, where the dad's are homely but loving; where the mom’s are pleasant and beautiful; and where the children love to spend time playing ball with Dad, and eating Mom’s fine cooking! Kidron is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, and a great place to visit. Come and see us sometime.) :)
No comments:
Post a Comment