Thank you for this fascinating history of a song I grew up with. (I was a church camp kid.) I was aware of the Gullah dialect and artwork but not their connection to "Kumbyah." What is most striking to me is that the original lyrics and how the song was sung are the exact equivalent of the intercessory prayer in the Episcopal liturgy! And THIS is why I love the Library of Congress, the American Folklife Center in particular. I'm actually feel excited by what I've learned from your post!!
So interesting! Would you please say more about the intercessory prayer in the Episcopal liturgy? I am unfamiliar with it, and interested to see that connection! Thank you for your observations and astute comments, as always!
Dear Savior, whom the Father has appointed both Lord of the city of man here on earth and of the City of God in heaven, as we approach the time when we shall cast our ballots for those who seek to guide and govern us, enlighten our minds and hearts that we may choose wisely and intelligently so that our upcoming leaders will not only uphold the just laws of the land but will also open new opportunities, especially for those among us who have been unfairly restricted from exercising their many talents. the Rev. Elliott F. Gauffreau, October 1992
Stephen, thank you for this! It's bittersweet. The way Gullah was literally beaten out of people is exactly how the government treated our indigenous people. I am encouraged by efforts to save all endangered languages, including Gullah. I'm going to add this link to the article and the Verbihund Café library. Thanks again.
This is wonderful Kate! I have been singing this song all of my lif. I am unsure where I learned it, as it feels I have known it forever. I know I sang it in MYF, in a church get together, also in Girl Scouts and at my Girl Scout Camp. We knew a number of verses back then. :A lot great memories go along with the song
A fascinating glimpse into a culture and world of which I was only dimly aware. Thanks, KMR.
Thank you, Mary! I learned so much writing this piece.
Thank you for this fascinating history of a song I grew up with. (I was a church camp kid.) I was aware of the Gullah dialect and artwork but not their connection to "Kumbyah." What is most striking to me is that the original lyrics and how the song was sung are the exact equivalent of the intercessory prayer in the Episcopal liturgy! And THIS is why I love the Library of Congress, the American Folklife Center in particular. I'm actually feel excited by what I've learned from your post!!
So interesting! Would you please say more about the intercessory prayer in the Episcopal liturgy? I am unfamiliar with it, and interested to see that connection! Thank you for your observations and astute comments, as always!
Here you go! http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/1928/Litany.htm This is one that my father wrote. I'll be posting it on my blog on election day.
Dear Savior, whom the Father has appointed both Lord of the city of man here on earth and of the City of God in heaven, as we approach the time when we shall cast our ballots for those who seek to guide and govern us, enlighten our minds and hearts that we may choose wisely and intelligently so that our upcoming leaders will not only uphold the just laws of the land but will also open new opportunities, especially for those among us who have been unfairly restricted from exercising their many talents. the Rev. Elliott F. Gauffreau, October 1992
That is a beautiful offering that everyone can fully endorse. Thank you for sharing it! Amen! So be it!
Thank you--and you're welcome!
Here's the story of the retirement of the last Gullah speaking clergyman from yesterday's Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/news/article/2024/aug/03/gullah-gospel-readings-bible-language
Stephen, thank you for this! It's bittersweet. The way Gullah was literally beaten out of people is exactly how the government treated our indigenous people. I am encouraged by efforts to save all endangered languages, including Gullah. I'm going to add this link to the article and the Verbihund Café library. Thanks again.
This is wonderful Kate! I have been singing this song all of my lif. I am unsure where I learned it, as it feels I have known it forever. I know I sang it in MYF, in a church get together, also in Girl Scouts and at my Girl Scout Camp. We knew a number of verses back then. :A lot great memories go along with the song
Thanks so much Kate for choosing this song today.
Hey Pamela! I'm happy that it brought back good memories! We can't get enough of those. ❣️