When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder

Please visit Spiritual Sunday to fill your heart with joy.

This favorite hymn was written by James Black.  He was calling roll for a youth meeting at his Methodist church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in 1893.  The name of a young girl, Bessie, was not answered, and he was crestfallen at her absence.  James commented, "O God, when my own name is called up yonder, may I be there to respond!"  When he returned home, he went to the piano and wrote the words and music to this hymn.