‘And Grace Will Lead Me Home’ March 2023

In March 2023, during a visit to the Cowper & Newton Museum and the town of Olney, musicians Angeline Morrison, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and Jon Bickley of Invisible Folk creatively explored the words, tunes, meanings and experiences of the hymn Amazing Grace, as well as researched the life of Rev’d John Newton, the writer of the words of the hymn.

Meeting and singing together in faith and social groups was an important part of Rev John Newton’s pastorship in Olney during his time in Olney (1764-1779).

Angeline, Cohen and Jon share recordings made during their stay in Dartmouth House, an 18th century home (possibly previously a farm house) in Olney.

In this recording Angeline, Cohen and John explore the sound of Amazing Grace using the version of the tune, ‘New Britain’, from William Walker’s ‘The Southern Harmony’ published in America in 1835.

This book has the earliest pairing of the words to this tune found to date.

Image credit University of Kentucky

Angeline also recorded Zoe Mulford’s ‘The President Sang Amazing Grace

This song was written by Zoe Mulford in response to the killing of nine African American who were killed on June 17, 2015 during a Bible study at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. USA.
Video/Photos – Ian Yarwood
 
At the funeral for their senior pastor, state senator Clementa C. Pinckney, President Obama gave the eulogy and led the singing of Amazing Grace.
 
 
 
Amazing Grace June 26th, 2015 Part 2  from the Obama Foundation website

Find out more about ‘ Grace Will Lead Me Home’ 

Conversation podcasts with historians Tom Jones and James Walvin, resarcher Marylynn Rouse, musicologist Martin Clarke and folk singer and activist Judy Collins

 Angeline MorrisonCohen Braithwaite Kilcoyne and Jon Bickley together to visit the Cowper & Newton Museum and to write new songs and tunes inspired by the life of John Newton, the Olney Hymns and the Slave trade.

Performance of the new songs in concert at the Cowper & Newton Museum (June 2023). Joined by the Fusion Choir, a diverse children’s choir from the Queen’s Park district of Bedford.

More information and how to book:  Grace Will Bring Me Home Courtyard Concert

Supported by Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Milton Keynes City Council

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Our Museum building remains CLOSED.  We are opening our gardens on limited entry.  The Cowper & Newton Museum gardens will be open to welcome you on Wednesday 5th August 10.30 – 12.15 and Saturday 8th August 10.30 – 12.15

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