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The story of ‘Amazing Grace’; A timeless hymn celebrates its 250th anniversary
This week, the world celebrated the 250th anniversary of one of the most profound songs of the last two centuries, “Amazing Grace.”
The hymn was written in 1773 by the Reverend John Newton, a former slave ship captain and curate, for his sermon at St Peter and St Paul Church on New Year’s Day.
The words reflect Newton’s journey back to his Christian faith, and the song has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for people all over the world.
“Amazing Grace” is estimated to be performed 10 million times annually and has appeared on over 11,000 albums. It is closely associated with the African American community, and has been performed by a wide range of artists, from gospel choirs to folk singers to rock bands.
Most recently, President Obama burst into the familiar tune during the memorial service for Reverend Clementa Pinckney, a victim of a heinous church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina.
But the story of “Amazing Grace” is more complex than just a beloved hymn.
The song was written by John Newton, an English slave trader-turned-minister, who had a tumultuous and controversial life. Born in 1725 in London, Newton was sent to sea at the age of 11 by his stern sea-captain father.
He had a reckless youth, drinking and engaging in other excesses, and was eventually impressed into the British navy. After attempting to desert, he received eight dozen lashes and was reduced to the rank of common seaman.
Newton’s career as a slave trader began when he was left in West Africa by the crew of the ship he was serving on. He was given to Amos Clowe, an enslaver, who in turn gave him to his wife, Princess Peye, an African royal who treated him and her other slaves brutally.
Newton eventually converted to Christianity after a miraculous event at sea, in which the cargo of his ship shifted to fill a hole in the hull during a violent storm, saving the vessel and all on board.
Despite his conversion, Newton did not immediately give up his involvement in the slave trade. He made three more voyages as the captain of two different slave ships, the Duke of Argyle and the African.
It was not until he suffered a stroke in 1754 and retired from the trade that he fully renounced slavery.
He was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1764 and became a prominent abolitionist, using his position and influence to speak out against the horrors of the slave trade.
It was in this context that Newton wrote “Amazing Grace,” as a reflection on his own journey and a call to others to turn towards God.
The hymn quickly became popular, and has remained so for 250 years, a testament to its enduring message of hope and redemption.
As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to remember the complex history of the song and the man who wrote it, and to continue to strive towards a more just and compassionate world.
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