ArkansasConference

Two-time hymnal editor to preach and debut anthem at Christ of the Hills UMC

04/14/2010
Heather Hahn
Editor

Not many people can say they’ve edited the hymnal of a major denomination.

Carlton R. “Sam” Young has the distinction of taking on that role twice — editing the 1966 Methodist and 1989 United Methodist hymnals.

Pat Henry, minister of music at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village, described Young as the “Paul McCartney of religious music.”

“He’s the only living editor of two consecutive denominational hymnals,” Henry said. “He’s the authority on the history of sacred music and yet, he’s amazingly modern. He’s still in demand to do arrangements and writing now.”

And Young plans to mark his 84th birthday by delivering the sermon and debut his anthem “The Final Trumpet” at morning worship on April 25 at Christ of the Hills UMC.

Young said his sermon, titled “United Methodists, United in Song,” will be basically a sing-a-long using the United Methodist Hymnal.

He hopes those at the service will “briefly and positively experience the musical and lyrical diversity that characterizes the United Methodist Church.” He also hopes to showcase the unity in that diversity.

Henry wrote the lyrics for Young’s anthem, which is based on the Book of Revelation.
Henry first became friends with Young while studying for music certification five or six years ago at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, where Young long served as a professor. Henry and Young soon learned that they shared a love of jazz.

And jazz is what is bringing Young to Arkansas, specifically he would like to see Henry and his quintet perform at Christ of the Hill UMC’s ninth annual Jazz Festival, sponsored by United Methodist Men on April 23. The evening’s program will include a tribute to Johnny Mercer.

Young grew up the son of a Methodist pastor and district superintendent in Ohio. But his career in sacred music began when he took a part-time job as a children’s choir director while studying at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

On his father’s advice, he went on to become an ordained elder. He studied at Boston University School of Theology, with further study at Union Theological Seminary in New York City; and in Vienna and Prague.

As hymnal editor, he worked with a committee. His job he said was to “sort of find parking spaces for everyone.”

The 1966 hymnal had a short shelf-life, he said, because of all the changes going on in popular music with the rise of rock ‘n’ roll.

“Because Methodists are so close to the social developments in America, you can’t set something like that aside and say that doesn’t count. All that counts is what we’ve been doing.”

In his career, Young — who now lives in Nashville, Tenn. — has seen the advent of contemporary worship and welcomed the inclusion of sacred music from different ethnic groups and different countries.

He sees music as crucial in the church’s effort to reach new people with the Gospel.

During his time at Christ of the Hills, he plans to highlight sacred music as diverse as a camp meeting chorus, a Nigerian hymn and gospel songs. But when asked what hymn is his favorite, he named Charles Wesley’s traditional “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.”

“Church music involves memory and memory of the communities where you heard or sang the music,” Young said. “So it’s a very strong medium.”

Carlton R. Young will lead the sermon and debut the anthem “The Final Trumpet” at 8:50 and 10:30 a.m. April 25 worship services at Christ of the Hills UMC. To learn more, visit www.cohumc.com.

The United Methodist Men will have their ninth annual Jazz Festival on April 23 at Christ of the Hills UMC, 700 Balearic Road, Hot Springs Village. Tickets cost $15 for dinner and concert at 6 p.m., and $7.50 for the concert only at 7 p.m.