Old Time Gospel Favorite Songs Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. As of the early twenty-first century this song was said to have over 7,000 recorded versions. Its words were originally written by an English poet and clergyman, John Newton, in the 1770s. It was many years until it found its melody. Truly a favorite, complete the title: "Amazing _____".

Answer: Grace

Reverend Newton has been regarded and remembered as much a poet as a preacher due to his effective inclusion of poetry (often, self-penned) into his sermons. Through the years, his song has been set to a wide variety of tunes. According to the website wordpress.com, "Amazing Grace" was sung at the funerals of Richard Nixon, Sonny Bono, Joe DiMaggio and John Kennedy Jr. - to name only a few.

2. This gospel favorite is an Irish poem written to the tune of an ancient Irish melody. It roots are unmistakable. The song includes the lyrics, "Be Thou my best thought, Thy presence, my light". Complete its title: "Be Thou My _____"

Answer: Vision

The lyrics of "Be Thou My Vision" have been said to have been written as early as the eighth century. Some sources have linked its origin much earlier - to words written by Ireland's own St. Patrick. Through the years and the centuries its popularity has continued. One especially poignant version was recorded by the Christian rock band, Jars of Clay, and was included on the "WOW Worship: Yellow" CD/album of 2003.

3. With lyrics including the line, "prone to wonder, prone to leave the God I love", this song exemplifies the human struggle and pleads for God's guidance. Its words are credited to an eighteen century Methodist minister named Robert Robinson. What word completes the title: "Come Thou _____ of Every Blessing"?

Answer: Fount

The lyrics of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" has been set to several different tunes. The version more widely recognized in the UK is rather different than the melody of the song more common in the USA. Both versions have the same (or, very similar) words and enjoy a continued popularity.

As recently as the early 21st century, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir have included "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" in many of their performances and they included it on their CD/album titled, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: American Folk Hymns and Spirituals" that was released in 2009.

4. Finding its inspiration in the New Testament book of James (NIV translation) with the verse that reads: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows". The hymn "Hold to God's Unchanging _____" speaks of God's constant care for his followers. (Supply the missing word to complete its title).

Answer: Hand

"Hold to God's Unchanging Hand" was written by a self-educated, wheelchair bound woman who was born in the mid-1800s. Jennie Bain Wilson is credited with writing thousands of hymns yet she had little or no formal education. A childhood illness had left her partially paralyzed and she spent most of her life either in a wheelchair or in bed.

It is written that she was carried while in her wheelchair to a stream to be baptized into the Christian faith.

5. A gospel favorite credited to country music singer and song writer, Hank Williams, was first recorded by him in 1947. Williams is said to have written the song based on a phrase his mother said as she drove the car with him and other band members as passengers. What word completes its title: "I Saw the _____"

Answer: Light

It would seem very unlikely that a country music singer and songwriter with a reputation for drinking, carousing and philandering would write an eternally popular gospel song but that is exactly what Hank Williams did. "I Saw the Light" was a very early recording for Hank Williams and it was not immediately regarded as the favorite it would become. According to the online source imdb.com, another huge country music recording artist, Roy Acuff, sang "I Saw the Light" at Hank Williams' funeral. The film released in 2015 chronicling the adult life of Hank Williams was titled "I Saw the Light"; it starred Tim Hiddleston.

6. The author of the hymn, "Just a Closer _____ with Thee" is unknown yet that has not lessened its popularity among many social and ethnic groups. During the late 20th century it has been included in the New Orleans (Louisiana) jazz funerals so often it is said to have become a tradition for the area. (Supply the missing word to complete its title).

Answer: Walk

Sources agree the exact author of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" is unknown. The song may have originated in the African-American (then slave) community of the southern United States. There are references that support it (and/or versions of it) being sung by the slaves as they worked in the fields. Substantiating its universal respect and appeal would be the artists who have chosen to record it; among those are: Pat Boone, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Jim Nabors, Gladys Knight and The Pips and (as a duet) Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Mahalia Jackson was known to have included it in her performances throughout her career.

7. This hymn was written by Georgia (USA) native, Reverend Thomas A. Dorsey, who also wrote another song often mentioned among gospel favorites, "Peace in the Valley". This one was said to be the favorite of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; what word completes its title: "Precious Lord, Take My _____"?

Answer: Hand

The title of the song, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" may also be seen as "Take My Hand, Precious Lord". With the tremendous popularity of the hymns he wrote, Rev. Dorsey would become known as "the father of black gospel music". "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" was said to be the favorite of Dr. King and he often asked Mahalia Jackson to sing it at his rallies; she would later sing that song at Dr. King's funeral. "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" was also sung at the funeral service for President Lyndon B. Johnson.

8. The author of this hymn was once the elected president of a society of atheists in 19th century Edinburgh, Scotland. Yet, William P. Mackay would later become a Presbyterian minister and write this beautiful hymn. The song includes the lyrics, "We praise Thee, O God! For the Son of Thy love, For Jesus Who died, And is now gone above". What word completes its title? "_____ Us Again"

Answer: Revive

"Revive Us Again" is sometimes called "We Praise Thee, Oh God", as well. It is one of many hymns attributed to Dr. Mackay (either as sole author or co-author). The story of Dr. Mackay's life includes some twists and turns. He was raised in a Christian home but he, initially, chose a different path for his own adult life.

He would become a well respected medical doctor and lead administer in the largest hospital in Edinburgh - without the practice of the faith of his youth. A twist of fate - or, God's own intervention, perhaps - brought him back to his Christian faith.

He would continue to practice medicine but would also become well respected as a Presbyterian minister, author and songwriter during the mid-1800s.

9. This song is said to have been inspired by the Bible verse Revelation 7:14 which is: "They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." The song was written in the late 1800s by former Moody Bible College graduate, Lewis E. Jones. What word completes its title: "There's Power in the _____"

Answer: Blood

"There's Power in the Blood" was written by Mr. Jones after attending a camp meeting (a religious gathering conducted in temporary shelters such as tents) in Maryland during the year of 1899. Several of Jones hymns have remained favorites - even after more than 100 years.

He is equally revered for his work with the organization YMCA. His life was relatively short; he lived to be only 39 years old.

10. The author of this hymn is unknown but certainly it was originally, as it is labeled (even in the 21st century), "an old Negro Spiritual". With its simple yet touching lyrics it would exemplify those songs that had their beginnings in the cotton fields pre-antebellum USA. Its refrain includes: "Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble". What is the missing word in its title: "Were You _____ When They Crucified My Lord?"

Answer: There

Most of the African-American slaves of the southern United States were not allowed to learn to read and write. Storytelling and singing were two very important ways they achieved continuity and standardization of their culture - particularly with their religious beliefs. "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" is sometimes written as "Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)?" and/or "Were You There?".

The song has been recorded by many artists who represent a variety of genre. Johnny Cash released a moving version of it that proved to be very successful for him; he included it on at least 15 albums/CDs he released.

Source: Author cowboybluedog

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

In each of the following questions some information is given about the song but one word is missing from the title. The missing word is provided among the four choice answers. Best of luck to everyone. I hope I have mentioned some of your favorites.

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