Robert's early years were spent on the streets of Philadelphia, along with his brother Crozier (Robert was always pleased that his brother got their father's name). Crozier was one who often got in trouble while Robert was just a little bit less daring. Not because he disliked his brother's activities. Rather, he was held back by his love of music. While Crozier was planning some mighty scheme, Robert was learning to play whatever instrument he could lay his hands on. It should be noted, however, that the tunes he played (and even wrote) were not always what his father wanted to hear. The Associated Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia was a stern church, a church where the great hymns of the faith (hymns that went back to the 1500 and 1600s) echoed through the rafters on Sundays. The elder Crozier often pondered which son gave him the most grief.
And then, everything changed for Robert. In 1843, seventeen year old Robert accepted Christ as Savior. The particulars of that event are lost to time, but we do know that he immediately left the Presbyterians and joined the First Baptist Church of Philidelphia. At that time the Baptists were the only ones who were really forming Sunday Schools and their music was moving away from the 'great hymns of the faith.' These may have been factors for young Robert since we do know he immediately immersed himself in the Sunday School and music ministries. For Robert it was a revelation. Suddenly his life began to have meaning.
The next year he began to study for the ministry. He was absolutely sure of his calling to preach and pastor and never once varied from that call. Much later in his life he was asked to take on a prestigious position with a large music concern that gathered hymns and published hymnals. It was an honor to even be considered, but he would not leave the pastorate to do this thing. Finally, the publisher allowed him the time to pursue his first calling.
But music had always been a part of his life. He became known as someone who could take someone's else's poems and make them into a wonderful hymn. He had several collaborations with Fanny Crosby as well as writing his own heartfelt and moving hymns. One such hymn, "Shall We Gather at the River," was one of the most sung hymns of all time. Yet, Robert considered that moving hymn as just a trifle, certainly nothing to be compared to the preaching of the Word. He was a preacher first and last.
Still, music was in his soul. Often when he was struggling with a sermon or endeavoring to nail down an idea, he would sit at his organ and idly play as his mind focused. So it was, in the days leading up to Resurrection Day of 1874, Robert sat at his organ and mindlessly ran through various cords and bits of hymns as he contemplated a message for Resurrection. After all, he had preached for many years. People knew of the Resurrection, but they needed to hear it again and with a new emphasis. As I read of this moment, it was as though I sat in that study, near the fire, watching this great man. Miss Mary would understand the thinking. It is how our imaginations work. Then, according to his own recollection, notes and words appeared in his mind as though they were on a large piece of sheet music in the air before him. Now, in my mind, I see the face of this mighty preacher light up, I can feel the electricity of inspiration! He began to play. For the first time, perhaps the most powerful Resurrection hymn of all time, was lifted up in music and song:
Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes!
He arose the Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to Reign!
He Arose! He Arose!
Alleluia! Christ Arose!
Vainly they watched His bed,
Jesus, my Savior,
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus, my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes!
He arose the Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to Reign!
He Arose! He Arose!
Alleluia! Christ Arose!
Death cannot keep his Prey,
Jesus, my Savior;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus, my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes!
He arose the Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to Reign!
He Arose! He Arose!
Alleluia! Christ Arose!
Robert Lowry, a celebrated preacher of his time, is barely remembered for his wonderful sermons. Oh, if you are a young seminary student and are pouring through the dusty old library of your school, you might come across that thick volume of his messages. Actually, it is probably still in same place I left it decades ago. However, it is his music for which he is remembered. Music that struck the soul in a way modern songs cannot. Music and words from a kid from Philly.
In a few days we will observe once again the remembrance of the defining moment in all history. As the dawn springs up, remember the words---
Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes!
He arose the Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to Reign!
He Arose! He Arose!
Alleluia! Christ Arose!
Oh my, how I wish I could stand with you all on Sunday morning and see the sun come up. But it is enough for now to know that one day we will all be in the eternal light of the eternal Son!
Blessings.
