Learn about the history behind the hymn “Amazing Grace” in this quick one-minute read by our co-pastor, Dr. Jim Willoughby.

Early Life

John Newton is the author of the hymn Amazing Grace.  John Newton was born in England in 1725.  His mother, a godly woman, died when John was just seven years old.  His father was a ship captain, and after a few years in school, John left to work on his father’s ship.  This began several years of rebellion and rowdy living.  After several years of working on his father’s ship and others, he began working on the African coast collecting slaves to trade.  Eventually, he became captain of his own slave ship and began collecting, transporting, and selling slaves to the West Indies and America. 

Changed Life

On one particular voyage back to England, he was caught in a vicious storm.  None of those on board his ship, including him, thought that they would survive the storm.  However, they did survive and God used this storm to get his attention. 

Then reading the book, Imitation of Christ, John accepted Christ as his Savior.  After his conversion, he became convicted about his involvement in the slave trade.  This caused him to start making life on the slave ships more humane and mandating Sunday services for all of the crew.  Eventually, though, the Holy Spirit convicted him of the evils of the slave trade and became an effective crusader against slavery.  Returning to England, he married a godly woman named Mary Catlett and became a clerk.  Over time, through the influence of George Whitfield and the Wesleys, God began to work on his heart and called him into the ministry.  At the age of thirty-nine, he was ordained and became the pastor of the Olney Church. 

Used Life

In his preaching he often told the story of his wicked past and amazing conversion.  He drew large crowds and would preach in any large building he could use.  He also began using hymns in his service, which went contrary to standard practice.  Toward the end of his life, his health, eyesight, and memory began to fade.  A spokesman for the church suggested that he consider retirement.  He said, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!”  It was from a humble and sincere heart of gratitude that the words to Amazing Grace were penned.  The music is from an old American folk melody.  Interestingly, this hymn, written by a former slave trader was included in nearly every hymnal throughout the South in the 1800s.

We hope you enjoyed this piece of hymn history authored by our pastor, Dr. Jim Willoughby, Temple Baptist Church in Kokomo, IN. For more articles like this, we invite you to visit our blog. For more information about our church, visit our homepage.