When I discovered late Thursday night that Andraé Crouch, called “the greatest hymn writer of our age, the modern-day John Wesley,” by Billy Graham (according to LeVar Burton in this video) passed away, I knew I had to honor him in today’s post…What I most admired about Mr. Crouch was how he shared his gift of music in song after song decade after decade…From the time he was young until he got old, he didn’t stop until he literally could no longer continue…And so though my words may not be as inspired as his music, the best way I can honor him is to share my words…
Dear Mr. Andraé Crouch,
I don’t know if you will read my words from all the way up in Heaven, but I still want to write “My Tribute” to you…
Praise God! No longer do you have to sing “Soon and Very Soon,” because you are now in the very presence of Our King! “I Don’t Know Why,” our Father took you when He did, but I know you are up there singing, “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus” like you could never sing it before!
Since you were ushered into the Heavenly gates on Thursday, you now know for yourself that “Jesus is The Answer” for this sinful world, but you no longer have to live with sin. Your earthly clay has been removed, and now your soul can soar! Because I still live in my earthly clay, bound in sin, sometimes, I want to despair. But I am so glad you reminded us the “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” to save me from my sin. And “Through It All,” I pray one day I will be right where you must be this Sunday morning.
Even though the angels have probably welcomed you into your eternal rest, you probably declared to them, “I’m Gonna Keep on Singing” because that is just what God created me to do! And I’m so grateful that God allowed you to leave a precious legacy of music, because although your earthly body is no more, still “We Need to Hear From You.” And with that, “Let the Church Say Amen.”
Blessings,
Jacqueline J. Holness
Below is a video in which Mr. Crouch shares his testimony about when God gave him the gift of music at a Billy Graham crusade in 1975…
Below is more information about the funeral arrangements for Mr. Crouch:
A celebration of Andraé Crouch’s life will take place on Tuesday, January 20th and Wednesday, January 21st at West Angeles Church of God In Christ, located at 3045 Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles, California. Both services will be open to the public.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Viewing: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Tribute Celebration: 7:00pm
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Viewing: 10:00am – 11:00am
Celebration of Life: 11:00am
In lieu of flowers, please send tax-deductible donations to:
Andraé Crouch Memorial Fund
c/o New Christ Memorial Church
13333 Vaughn
Pacoima, CA 91340
www.newchristmemorial.org
Cards and letters may be sent to:
New Christ Memorial Church
Attn.: Mauri Jones
13333 Vaughn
Pacoima, CA 91340
Also, if you live in the metro Atlanta area, Gospel Announcer Larry Tinsley will be honoring Mr. Crouch’s music during his “Sunday Morning Praise” broadcast 6 am to 12 pm on V-103.
Any thoughts?
Such an icon in not only gospel music, but just music in general. One of those legends who created songs that generations of people know and sing. He’ll forever be remembered.
Thanks for your post,
Sabrina
Definitely, and thank you for stopping by 🙂