Jesus is Lord!

A Song That Captured A City

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By Alfred B. Smith, “More Hymn Stories”

R.H. McDaniel had been spending the last week in correcting and improving some song poems he was planning to send to Charles H. Gabriel, the musical composer of such songs as “The Glory Song” [Oh That Will BE Glory for Me] and “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” He wanted to make sure that they would appeal to the well-known composer, for it seemed folks were anxious to sing Mr. Gabriel’s songs. 

However, McDaniel was faced with a hard decision. Should he send only the five poems he had already written, or should he write one final poem on a theme that had filled his thoughts for the day? Mr. Gabriel wanted the poems in time for him to write the music so he could introduce them in the upcoming Billy Sunday meetings being held in Philadelphia in three months. Should he take the added time to write the extra poem? 

McDaniel decided to follow the leading of his heart, and with a prayer, he began writing a poem which echoed the words of a convert’s testimony he had heard some months before. The words seemed to flow from his pen. Soon the poem was finished. He hurriedly gathered his six poems, including the new one, and sent them to Charles Gabriel in Chicago, Illinois. He prayed they would be on time and be accepted. 

During the next three months, McDaniel waited for word from Gabriel, but none came. Soon reports were being printed in not only religious magazines, but in the newspapers of a great revival which was taking place in Philadelphia. Thousands were attending the Billy Sunday meetings. Many were getting saved!! Music was playing a great part, particularly one song had captured the people’s hearts. Newsboys whistled it as they delivered papers. Hotel maids sang it as they made beds. Streetcars passed with all the passengers singing it. In fact, even Policeman Fowler sang it as he directed traffic at Broad and Vine for the song had been used to win him to Christ. 

The song? You’ve guessed it. It’ title was “Since Jesus Came into My Heart.” It was McDaniel’s final poem. He had his answer—the poem had arrived on time. Before the meeting was over, thousands of copies had been distributed and soon it was being sung across the country. Homer Rodeheaver, Sunday’s song leader even recorded it. By the way, Policeman Fowler went on to win over one hundred of his fellow officers to Christ during the meetings. He was just one of the many thousands who had been captured by a song.