Golden Hymns' is a series of compilation of Old Christian Malayalam songs some of which have become uncommon due to the ever increasing volumes of new generation songs and music.
This series is to peek into the testimonies and stories of servants of God who pioneered christian works in India like K V Simon sir, V Nagel, P V Thommy upadeshi and the like. The songs composed by them have profound meaning and bring great joy and hope to any Pilgrim(Christian) travelling through the valley of Baca (Earthly Life).
Mahakavi Kunnampurathu Varghese Simon (7 February 1883 – 1944) was a notable Malayalam Christian poet from Kerala, India. He was also a musician, a teacher, a reformer, a writer, a Bible scholar and apologist. Simon authored around three hundred hymns or poems and some thirty books. K. V. Simon was given the title Mahakavi (Dean of Poets) by the Sahitya Parishad (Academy of Literature). Many prominent Christian leaders in India, both Brethren and non-Brethren, were mentored by Simon. These included Pandit M. M. John, Pastor K. E. Abraham (the founder of the India Pentecostal Church), and evangelists K. G. Kurien and K. G. Thomas.
(1881-1919)
Born into a very poor family, Thommy became a teacher after completing his basic education. After a few years of teaching, he became a full time evangelist in the Mar Thoma church. Rev. C. M. Joseph, Vicar of the Kunnamkulam Parish, encouraged him in his Gospel work. Titus II Marthoma Metropolitan appointed him as an evangelist in Trichur and Perumbavoor. Though he lacked formal theological training, he was a walking encyclopedia of the Bible, which he had read many times. In due course of time, he learned Tamil.
In 1919, during a cholera outbreak in Kunnamkulam where many died, Thommy volunteered to treat the patients. He was eventually infected with cholera and died of the disease. Thommy’s works include:
Vishudha Geethangal, 1905
Mosa Walsalam Sastriyar (1847 - 1916) was Indian philosopher, social reformer, poet and Christian theologian. Moses is well known for his composition of Christian hymns through which he motivated backward people against caste discrimination and exploitation.
During his stay at Kattakada (1891–96), he organised the activities of the backward caste people who were recent converts to Christianity. During this time, his youngest son died of snake bite. For his funeral, Mosa Walsalam sang the song "Ninte hitham poleyenne" ("Lead me according to Thy will". This proved to be the most popular song composed by him.
Pr. M.K Varghese (1893-1971) who worked along with Pr. K E Abraham(IPC founder) and Rev. Cook.
He composed a lot of songs which are still sung in many malayalee churches which are filled with hope in the Second coming and highlight the journey of a Christian as a pilgrim to eternity. He was a resident of Edayarnamula.
Pr. P P Mathew(1939-2001) was born in Harippad. He served as a minister of TPM Church for 22 years after which he married.
The song ' Loke njan enn ottam thikachu' was written by him when he saw his older brother P P Abraham's vision of angels coming to receive the latter on his death bed.
Annamma Mammen was born in 1914 in Kumbanad. While she was working as a high school teacher, she got a calling for full time ministry when she was 22 years of age. She was instrumental in serving the Lord in many nations composing many hopeful songs along the way. She wasnt married.
Click the link to know about her story.
