Press release
Dr. Edward Spann, Dallas hymnologist and retired dean of the College of Fine Arts at Dallas Baptist University, will speak at First Christian Church on July 5 at 10:45 a.m. The church is located at 900 Robbins Road in Athens.
Spann served as missionary in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he founded the Department of Sacred Music at the Baptist Seminary.
The multi-media presentation will be called “Presidential Praise: Our Presidents and their Hymns.” He will also tell numerous hymn stories and discuss the United States’ presidents’ favorite hymns.
This presentation is non-political, non-judgmental, and does not discuss any instances other than what may be related to a favorite hymn of the president. Each president has his strengths and weaknesses, but this program deals with an aspect which is quite unique. It deals almost exclusively with the influence of hymns on their lives. A favorite hymn may have influenced or been a reflection of their spiritual development. It may have been an influence on the president in making a decision in his administration. The hymn may have been a summary of their lives, either their personality or personal character. It also may have been related to their inaugural scripture, or even a joint decision between the president and his First Lady. In addition, this hymn may have been a prediction of what was to happen in their lives and/or in the development and history of the country.
The First Christian Church Music Department, under the direction of the church’s Senior Minister, Rev. Kern Railsback and Minister of Music, Rev. Bryce Dooley will be performing many of these hymns in the patriotic service.
“We hope you will join us for this unique service,” Railsback said.