What better way to honor a hymnologist than to present him with a hymn written
in his honor?
What better way to honor a hymnologist than to present him with a hymn written
in his honor?
Such was the case Harry Eskew, New Orleans Baptist Theological
Seminary professor of music history and hymnology and music librarian. Eskew
was honored during a recent banquet at First Baptist Church in New Orleans.
The banquet was part of the seminarys 26th annual Church Music Symposium
– and it featured a hymn written for the longtime professor.
“Give Us Courage,” was written by Terry York, associate professor
of Christian ministry and director of the doctor of ministry program at George
W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas.
The hymn tune, “ESKEW,” was composed by Benjamin Harlan, dean
and associate professor of church music at Southwestern Baptist Theological
Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
The songs dedication described the professor as an esteemed
teacher and an exemplary Christ-follower.
The words also celebrated Eskews willingness to follow
the Lord.
“Give us courage, Lord, to learn, the courage to teach, the
courage to move when you say, Come, to move when you say, Go, ”
it reads.
Eskew has served as a member of the New Orleans Seminary music
faculty for more than 35 years. He recently announced plans to retire this July
31.
“There is no way to replace the man, Harry Eskew, …” said
Ken Gabrielse, chair of New Orleans Seminarys division of church music
ministries and a former student of Eskew.
The seminarys music division quietly organized this years
symposium without Eskews knowledge, inviting friends, colleagues and former
students to participate. During the three-day symposium, participants were given
the opportunity to present papers on the topics of their choice.
Presenters featured many of Eskews former students, including
Hugh McElrath, former professor of church music at the Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary, who co-authored “Sing with Understanding” with the New Orleans professor.
The papers are intended to be a part of a Festschrift –
articles collected into a book, to be given to Eskew at a later date.
“What all of us know in this room, if (New Orleans Seminary)
ever had a world-class scholar in a particular area, that world-class scholar
is – not would be – Dr. Harry Eskew,” school President Chuck Kelley
told banquet participants.
Kelley recounted his days as a student at the seminary 25 years
ago. “The very first professor who knew my name and called me by my name was
Dr. Harry Eskew. He loved students … (and) not just those who studied under
him.”
Others offered praise for the seminary professor as well.
“It has been a great privilege to know this man as brother
in Christ, caring friend, elder statesman, professional colleague and occasional
cohort,” said Darryl Ferrington, New Orleans Seminary associate professor of
music education.
“I have found in him the best combination of unlikely combinations,
… a scholar of such excellence that he was asked to contribute to the Groves
Encyclopedia of Music and Musicians, yet a common laborer who sawed boards and
drove nails to build homes for the homeless through Habitat for Humanity.
“Here is a man who to my knowledge never conducted a professional
orchestra in a major work, led a great mass choir in concert or thrilled hearts
with solo recitals, yet he probably has more national name recognition than
any professor who has ever had the privilege of teaching in the church music
division at (New Orleans Seminary),” Ferrington added.
Eskew also was honored with the first “Harry Eskew Sacred Harp
Sing,” during which participants sang from The Sacred Harp, a shaped-note hymn
book. (BP)