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by Fenton Johnson (1888 - 1958)

The Minister
 (Sung text for setting by R. Baksa)
 Matches base text
Language: English 
   I mastered pastoral theology, the Greek of the Apostles, and all the
difficult subjects in a minister's carriculum.
   I was as learned as any in this country when the Bishop ordained me.
   And I went to preside over Mount Moriah, largest flock in the
Conference.
   I preached the word as I felt it, I visited the sick and dying and
comforted the afflicted in spirit.
   I loved my work because I loved my God.
   But I lost my charge to Sam Jenkins, who has not been to school four
years in his life.
   I lost my charge because I could not make my congregation shout.
   And my dollar money was small, very small.
   Sam Jenkins can tear the Bible to tatters and his congregation destroys
the pews with their shouting and stamping.
   Sam Jenkins leads in the gift of raising dollar money.
   Such is religion.

Composition:

    Set to music by Robert F. Baksa (b. 1938), "The Minister", from Three Portraits, no. 3

Text Authorship:

  • by Fenton Johnson (1888 - 1958)

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Researcher for this page: Robert Baksa

This text was added to the website: 2005-01-13
Line count: 16
Word count: 145

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