Faithful Service to God

William Bradbury grew up in a musical family. Born on this day in Maine in 1816, he was blessed with a superb singing voice. At the Academy of Music in Boston, he studied with some of America’s finest composers, becoming an accomplished organist and pianist (even helping develop the “Bradbury pianos”).

Bradbury loved the Bible and often spent long hours in study. He frequently was known to turn to Psalm 37, which he found particularly inspiring.

Wherever he lived, he became involved in the church. In particular, he gained influence after becoming a leader in the music program at the Baptist Tabernacle in New York City. There, he developed a passion for helping children, holding singing classes. His annual Juvenile Music Festivals became memorable spectacles featuring hundreds of children in delightful attire.

Knowing the power of music, he used his gifts to teach and play. But he may be remembered best as a collaborator, setting to music, words written by others. Yet we sense the theme of his heart through many of the well-known hymns for which he wrote the music.

We feel his compassion for children in his music for “Jesus Loves Me.” We sense his concern for the Lost in the music for “Just As I Am.” We sense his dependence on Jesus through the music he wrote for “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” and “The Solid Rock.” We sense his commitment to prayer in the music he wrote for “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us.”

Others may have written words we know, but Bradbury created the melodies that resonate in hearts. He was faithful to do his part. What is the melody God has given you?