APPRECIATING OUR KINGDOM SONGS' was the theme of a talk given by Brother Ron Fallick, from the Bethel Branch in Brazil. He's been a missionary since 1951.

[Guest Kurt]

 APPRECIATING OUR KINGDOM SONGS' was the theme of a talk given by Brother Ron Fallick, from the Bethel Branch in Brazil. He's been a missionary since 1951 and was on the committee who prepared the new songbook, 'Sing Praises to Jehovah.' 
3  In the late 1970's it was decided that a new songbook was needed, since some of the old songs were Christendom's tunes. Others were based on classical tunes from the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Some were in archaic English...and in some cases the scriptural knowledge had changed. Brothers are always sending in compositions to the Society, and they are kept on file for when a new songbook is needed. However, some of the songs sent in were too low, or too high for most of us to sing. In the late 1970's it was decided that a new songbook was needed, since some of the old songs were Christendom's tunes. Others were based on classical tunes from the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Some were in archaic English...and in some cases the scriptural knowledge had changed. Brothers are always sending in compositions to the Society, and they are kept on file for when a new songbook is needed. However, some of the songs sent in were too low, or too high for most of us to sing. 
4  The Songbook Committee wanted to magnify Jehovah; so 29 songs were about Jehovah God, whereas only 7 are about Jesus. The songs also had to be translated into other languages. In English the phrase: 'Make the Truth your own' - has 5 syllables, but 16 syllables in the Portuguese language. It took a lot of juggling to make those words fit. 
5  A member of Brooklyn Bethel wrote Song #13, 'Christian Dedication.' Before coming into the Truth he was a long haired, drug addict. Song #15, 'Life Without End - At Last' was composed for a Gilead class back in the 1920's. A member of Brooklyn Bethel wrote Song #13, 'Christian Dedication.' Before coming into the Truth he was a long haired, drug addict. Song #15, 'Life Without End - At Last' was composed for a Gilead class back in the 1920's. 
6  Song #29, 'Forward, You Witnesses!' was written by Brother Erich Frost in a concentration camp in Germany during World War II. After Brother Frost composed it, he hid it in a rabbit hutch. It was smuggled out by other brothers, and sent to Switzerland first, and then to Brooklyn Bethel. It was sung for the first time at the 11th class of Gilead in Song #32, 'From House to House' and Song #127, 'Myriads of Brothers' were both written by Brother Harold King, who was in prison in Shanghai, China from 1958 until Song #29, 'Forward, You Witnesses!' was written by Brother Erich Frost in a concentration camp in Germany during World War II. After Brother Frost composed it, he hid it in a rabbit hutch. It was smuggled out by other brothers, and sent to Switzerland first, and then to Brooklyn Bethel. It was sung for the first time at the 11th class of Gilead in Song #32, 'From House to House' and Song #127, 'Myriads of Brothers' were both written by Brother Harold King, who was in prison in Shanghai, China from 1958 until 1963. 
7  Song #52, 'Our Father's Name' was written by a brother from Brazil who was a professional cellist. Song #52, 'Our Father's Name' was written by a brother from Brazil who was a professional cellist. Song #154, 'Jehovah Our Creator' was written by a sister, and Song #161, 'Pray to Jehovah Each Day' by two young brothers, - all three from Jolly ol' England. Song #154, 'Jehovah Our Creator' was written by a sister, and Song #161, 'Pray to Jehovah Each Day' by two young brothers, - all three from Jolly ol' England. 
8  Brother Karl Klein, a poet, musician and singer wrote Song #155 'Welcome One Another.' Brother Klein, of the Governing Body, passed away on January 2, His true- life story is in the October 1, 1984 Watchtower. Song #215, 'Extending Mercy to Others' had the music changed from the old songbook, because the original tune was from one of the Beethoven symphonies. Brother Karl Klein, a poet, musician and singer wrote Song #155 'Welcome One Another.' Brother Klein, of the Governing Body, passed away on January 2, His true- life story is in the October 1, 1984 Watchtower. Song #215, 'Extending Mercy to Others' had the music changed from the old songbook, because the original tune was from one of the Beethoven symphonies. 
9  Song #102, 'The Resurrection Joy' originated from Lebanon, and Song #171, 'A Victory Song' is a Jewish composition. Song #220, 'Our Paradise: Present and Future' is from Hawaii - you can almost do a hula while you're singing this one! Ha! Song #102, 'The Resurrection Joy' originated from Lebanon, and Song #171, 'A Victory Song' is a Jewish composition. Song #220, 'Our Paradise: Present and Future' is from Hawaii - you can almost do a hula while you're singing this one! Ha! 
10  PS... I can add to that, that Song #222 'Keep Your Eyes on the Prize' was written by Brother Ben Homer who also wrote 'Sentimental Journey' before he became a brother. He is long deceased but was a MS in the Tarzana, CA congregation when I came into the truth in He shared playing the piano at our meetings back then with another brother in our congregation who was a professional musician, Bill. Brother Fallick concluded his discussion by pointing out the end inside cover of the songbook. It shows us how enthusiastically the men are singing! We should never be ashamed to raise our voices and open our mouths. And always remember, Jehovah hears our singing. As Song #169 suggests: 'Sing! Sing! Sing! Loud let the new song ring... 'Sing! Sing! Sing! Jehovah God is King. It shows us how enthusiastically the men are singing! We should never be ashamed to raise our voices and open our mouths. And always remember, Jehovah hears our singing. As Song #169 suggests: 'Sing! Sing! Sing! Loud let the new song ring... 'Sing! Sing! Sing! Jehovah God is King. 

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