It’s been a while since we had an Amish singing clip. I think it’s a nice time to post this one. This is described as an “Amish Hymn-Sing at the Historic Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead”. It’s a good time because the homestead just celebrated its 250th anniversary this past week, with a gathering and benefit auction.
Former Stoltzfus Homestead caretaker Nic Stoltzfus with current caretaker & father Elam Stoltzfus.
The hymn sing I’m sharing here dates to a 2015 event. There are two songs on this clip – the first is church singing, which takes up about the first half of the 5-minute video. I don’t know the song, and it’s not given. Not being of Amish background I can’t tell you, but I imagine someone who is, could. I can only say I don’t believe it’s the Lob Lied; it starts differently.
For what it’s worth, I find it interesting reading the YouTube comments reacting to this music. One person calls it “the most beautiful, heavenly hymn singing I have ever heard.” Another says “plain but haunting”. Another says it is “monotone”. Overall there is more positive than negative. I think this type of song is quite unlike what most have heard before.
I remember the first time I heard Amish church singing. It was at a church service in Lancaster County in 2007. An Amishman who makes/made scooters there had invited me to join. I was not prepared for what I heard when the congregation’s voices combined on that first line, filling the room around me. As for my own view, I will say I find Amish church singing “hauntingly beautiful”. Experiencing such singing in the service itself with 150 church members united in song around you is special.
The second is an English language hymn – “Glory Gates” (not knowing this hymn, I first misheard it as “pearly gates”). This is by contrast a more upbeat tune compared to the soulful tones of traditional Amish church singing. This hymn is credited to Brethren minister George P. Hott. Here are the lyrics:
Glory Gates
1 I am looking for the city built of God,
Where the many mansions be;
I am walking now the path that Jesus trod,
And His face I soon shall see.
Refrain:
Oh the glory gates are ever open wide
Inviting the world to come;
Oh the glory gates are ever open wide,
To welcome the weary home!
2 Thro’ the valley of the shadow I may go,
But His grace shall be my stay;
Tho’ the path be dark and dangerous I know
He will guide me all the way. [Refrain]
3 ‘Tis glory now that fills and thrills my soul,
As I walk the narrow way;
I am looking for the heav’nly light to dawn,
That shall rise in endless day. [Refrain]
Have a listen here:
You might also like:
Interesting
The first song is reminiscent of Gregorian chant. The second is wonderful four-part harmony. Rich bass voices.
the first is a part of the Lob song
its the last part of it
Almost an Impossibility
The federal government requires an ID with a photograph to fly. The TSA requires everyone to have a “Federal ID,” and the two documents are a driver’s license or a passport. Both have the holder’s photograph (verboten by the Amish)and one, requires the passing of a driver’s test. I believe that one can obtain a “non-driver” driver’s license and one may certainly – after paying all the necessary fees – obtain a passport. But again, both require a picture of the document holder. And then there’s the problem of paying for airline tickets. None of the airlines – that I know of will accept checks or cash, and I don’t know any Amish who own credit cards. We have young married Amish couples whom we would love to have visit us in Florida but it would be a hassle – a big hassle – to get them down here utilizing any other way than flying. Of course, they’d have to agree to fly in the first place. It’s something on which I must do lots more research.
Amish bank cards
I have seen an Amish man using an ATM on Milheim Pa. I think I have a photo of such. I have also seen Amish unloading and setting up a portable ATM machine last week at the Gratz Pa mud sale. I also saw Amish using a portable ATM machine recently at the Beaver Run Amish sale. It is happening.
Last Friday evening also at the Gratz sale I noticed younger Amish females wearing slacks and what appeared to be yoga pants under their long dresses. It was a very cold day with 50 mph wind gusts. I also have bad pics of such. Bottom line is the Amish are changing.
Listen to Amish Sing 2 Hymns
Erik, I totally agree with you: hauntingly beautiful.
Joyful Music
I really enjoyed the second song and found myself singing along since the lyrics were there.