“The Old Country Church”

Although not a hymn, I heard this song while working on the Newsletter one night. It reminded me of the first church I went to as a small boy and then the Holland Church in later years. The Old Country Church by Hank Williams By Frankie Schmidt
Hank Williams is one of the most well-known country singers of all time. His hit song, “The Old Country Church,” has been covered by numerous artists over the years. While the song has a catchy tune, it is the deep meaning behind the lyrics that has made it so beloved among fans of country music.
The song speaks to the importance of finding solace and comfort in a place of worship. The old country church represents a safe haven where believers can gather and find peace in the midst of the chaos of the world. For Williams, the church was more than just a building – it was a symbol of hope and a reminder of the eternal promises of God. In many ways, “The Old Country Church” is a tribute to the simple, authentic faith that is often found in rural communities. It acknowledges that there is beauty and truth to be found in the humble, unadorned places of worship that dot the countryside. The song reminds us that no matter how far we may wander, there is always a way back to the comforting embrace of the old country church. Hank Williams wrote the song in the 1940s. It was released as a single in 1952, and it quickly became a hit. It is unclear exactly what inspired Williams to write the song, but it is likely that his own experiences with faith and religion played a significant role. Numerous artists have covered the song over the years, including George Jones, Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The old country church represents a place of refuge and comfort for believers. It is a reminder of the eternal promises of God and the hope that is found in faith. The song encourages listeners to find solace and comfort in their faith, and to seek out the old country church as a place of refuge from the chaos of the world. Faith is a central theme of the song. It encourages listeners to find hope and comfort in their beliefs, and to seek out the old country church as a place to gather and worship. The song is notable for its simple, catchy melody and its classic country sound. It features upbeat guitar and fiddle, and the vocals are delivered in Williams’ signature twangy style. Its message of hope and faith continues to resonate with listeners today. The song is notable for its simple, catchy melody and its classic country sound. It features upbeat guitar and fiddle, and the vocals are delivered in Williams’ signature twangy style.
Despite its upbeat melody, the song has a wistful, nostalgic tone. It speaks to a longing for simpler times and a return to the authentic faith of the past. Williams was known for his deep faith, and the song reflects his own experiences with religion and his belief in the power of faith to provide comfort and hope. The church represents a place of refuge and safety for believers. It is where they can gather to find comfort and strength in the midst of the trials of life.
“The Old Country Church” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire listeners with its message of faith and hope. Its legacy is a testament to the enduring power of country music to touch the hearts and souls of people around the world.                                                                                                                     

There's a place near to me, where I'm longing to be
With my friends at the old country church
There with mother we went and our Sundays we spent
With our friends at the old country church
Chorus: Precious years of memories
Oh, what joy they bring to me
How I long once more to be
With my friends at the old country church Chorus: As a small country boy, how my heart beat with joy
When I looked in that old country church
And the savior above in His wonderful love
Save my soul at the old country church
Chorus:                                                               

How I wish that today all the people would pray
As we prayed in that old country church
If they'd only confess, Jesus surely would bless
As He did in the old country church
Chorus:
Oh my thoughts make me weak for so many hours I weep
In that grave near the old country church
May I rest with my friends in that grave in the end
In the grave near the old country church
Chorus:                                                                                                                                           

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:20