Just As I Am ('Woodworth') (Dickson Chan, George Smith organ of Rockdale Uniting Church)

Dickson Chan plays 'Just As I Am, Without One Plea' on the 1909 2/9 George Smith organ of Rockdale Uniting Church. The words were written by Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871). The 'Dictionary of Hymnology' tells us, 'Though weak and feeble in body, she possessed a strong imagination, and a well-cultured and intellectual mind. Her love of poetry and music was great, and is reflected in her verse. Her hymns number about 150.' This hymn - Elliott's most popular - dates from 1836. The tune 'Woodworth' was written by American organist William Bradbury (1816-1868) and published in 1849. This tune is commonly used in America for this hymn, in contrast to the hymn tune 'Saffron Walden' which is mostly used in England. In 1934, Billy Graham converted to Christianity in a revival meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina after hearing the altar call song "Just as I Am". Years later as Billy Graham travelled across the world on his evangelistic campaign and revival meetings - 'Billy Graham crusades', this hymn was frequently used as the altar call / invitation song at the end of his crusades to call people to make a decision for Christ, inviting them to make a commitment to Christ. The hymn’s simple yet powerful message perfectly aligned with Graham’s approach to evangelism, which emphasised the unconditional love and acceptance of God. It is estimated that more than 2.2 million people came forward at his call as this hymn was sung during Billy Graham's crusades. Just as I am, without one plea but that thy blood was shed for me and that thou bidd'st me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot, to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; sight, riches, healing of the mind, yea, all I need, in thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Just as I am; thy love unknown has broken ev'ry barrier down; now to be thine, yea thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come. Details of the organ can be found at: https://sydneyorgan.com/RockdaleUC.html The recording was made on 25 May 2024.