I love the way God works! This morning I wake up to song I have not thought of in years and can not remember when the last time i heard it sung. It may have been during my late teens at Corinth Church. I seem to recall this was one Uncle Johnny's (Dad's youngest brother) favorite songs to lead the congregation. But this may have been one that the crowd would sing after one of Gerald's Friday night chicken wing dinners. With my memory, it may have been last week. LOL But I do remember it being one that was sang often as I was growing up.
"The Glory-Land Way" is one of the many songs that has an interesting story behind it. It was written in 1924 by James S. Tolbert. Mr. Tolbert was born in Alabama but his family moved to Texas where he spent most of his life. He was influenced by his Mom's love of poetry and his neighbor's love for music. He could often hear his neighbor playing beautiful songs on her pump organ and he learned to play music by his neighbor and that old pump organ. He later had a folding organ and during his off working hours would teach children singing and music.
V.O. Stamps, founding member or the Stamps quartet liked many of Mr. Tolbert's songs and included many of them in their performances. When the Stamps-Baxter Music Company formed, they published many of Mr. Tolbert's songs. But "The Glory-Land Way" was the one song that "caught on" and it has been published in over 46 hymnals.
Mr. Tolbert died in 1940 and his family says he truly sang his way to heaven. They say he loved his church and music more than life itself. Being in poor health and extremely feeble, he sat up on the side of his bed and sang "Glory-Land Way" one last time. He lay back on his bed, closed his eyes and died.
As I read this story of Mr. Tolbert this morning, I was quickly reminded of another person who I believe may have sung her way to heaven as left us this week. I heard yesterday of the death of one our 97 year old church members. Brother John, shared with us on Wednesday the time seemed near. I think when I heard that, I felt real anger with the virus as it has kept me from visiting these precious friends. I loved to go visit this humble, sweet and pretty lady. She would often sing a song. I don't recall the song but I promise it was one of the sweetest you would ever hear. When we would leave her, my spirit was always uplifted. I told her when I left her the last time, I would see her again soon and I will!!!
I hope you will enjoy hearing "The Glory-land Way" this morning!
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