Amish schoolchildren singing

Image/video by Philip Sarlo

It’s hard to watch this video and not smile. A class of Amish schoolchildren sings “The Ninety-Nine” for the camera in what looks to be a Holmes County, Ohio Amish school.

So enjoy this sweet rendition of a 120-year-old hymn…and can you tell from the video why I guessed this to be that community?

The Ninety-Nine

William G. Schell, pub. 1897

The ninety-nine within the fold
Are safe from fears and storms of night,
But one is on the mountains cold,
’Twill perish there—how sad the sight!

Refrain:
Go search it out and bring it home,
No more in darkness let it roam;
You’ll find it there in dreadful plight,
Oh! go and bring it back tonight.

The ninety-nine are safe today,
They’re all at home, so fully blest,
But one is wand’ring far away,
Upon the mountain’s snowy crest.

The ninety-nine with care are fed,
And rest within the Shepherd’s fold;
But one is starving, nearly dead,
Upon the mountains bare and cold.

The Shepherd dear, aloud doth weep
Because one lamb afar doth roam;
The ninety-nine He’ll safely keep—
We’ll seek that lamb and bring it home.




You might also like:


Get the Amish in your inbox


    Question on the Amish? Get answers to 300+ questions in 41 categories at the Amish FAQ.