Mixing the old with the new

• Matthew Smith to bring the style of updated hymns to a local church.

Ashley Hindsman

ALBANY — Matthew Smith, one of the pioneers of Indelible Grace music, will be performing in concert at Northgate Presbyterian Church at 7 p.m. Friday.

Using the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), a program used to minister to college students, Indelible Grace is using the words to traditional hymns and putting them to folk and soft rock music.

The general idea, according to igracemusic.com, is “to help the church recover the tradition of putting old hymns to new music for each generation, and to enrich our worship with a huge view of God and his indelible grace.”

Smith, encouraged by his Bible study leader at Belmont University, began writing music for different hymns for other students to hear. The result was “Indelible Grace” the CD, which has since sold tens of thousands of copies.

Richard Smith, pastor of Northgate Presbyterian Church, said he heard “Indelible Grace” about seven years ago and he knew that was the direction that hymnals were going.

“I really think what they’re doing with hymns is the future of the church. While the hymns that we have are not being sung very much, I think it’s the future of hymns in the church. That made me want to bring him (Matthew) here, plus we use some of his songs here at the church,” Smith explained.

Smith said as a pastor he thinks it is important to revitalize the role of the hymn in church because they have powerful meaning.

“I think it’s real important because the old hymns have very important words. There a good traditional way of singing, but they taught people something about God and Jesus that sometimes some of the newer music doesn’t do,” he said.

“I’m hoping we can introduce Albany to this style,” he added. “I have invited music ministers in the area that might be interested to attend. Just to help my congregation learn some new old hymns which that certainly most of my people have never heard of.

“I think people will be very pleasantly surprised and edified if they come. It’s not just entertainment, it’s seeing good music being reborn.”

The concert is free, but a love offering will be collected. All potential guests are asked to call and reserve seating at (229) 883-6946.

For more information about Matthew Smith or Indelible Grace music, visit www.matthewsmith.us or www.igracemusic.com.

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