John Hallett S

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z


S = Soderstrom ("Sodie")

Emil Soderstrom. One of the “giants” in composing and arranging who, in my opinion, is yet to be “discovered” by many people, especially in recent years.

(photo: a pensive Emil at the piano. Courtesy of Robert Getz)

To quote from a friend’s book, “In the days before TV became dominant, the NBC (National Broadcasting Company) Radio Network was in Chicago. Emil was the staff arranger for twenty years. During that time he wrote for the ensemble du jour. There were some permanent players, but the ensemble varied. All broadcasts were live; recorded music was not yet of a quality for regular use. Emil would be given the day’s and evening’s assignments which might be as follows: “11 seconds for XYZ Soap Flakes, jingle theme attached. Fade in six. Jingle at the end.” Unlike today’s composers who may be given days, weeks or even moths to compose the necessary music, then to be carefully recorded and edited prior to airing, Sodie was always on the spot to deliver “now!” …Emil estimated that in his twenty years he wrote over 100,000 sheets of manuscript on this job.” (Robert Getz. "Aspiration . . . Anecdotal Snapshots of Genius.” Newaygo, MI: INJ Offerings, 2008, p. 114)

Click on this to read Emil’s description of all of his writing for NBC.

"Aspiration . . . Anecdotal Snapshots of Genius" by Robert Getz is an outstanding account of the life of Emil Soderstrom or “Sodie” as he was affectionately called. You can order a copy by e-mailing the author at bobgetz@injofferings.com or by visiting his site: http://www.injofferings.com/ This book is a great read about an amazing figure in 20th century music. You will be inspired and challenged as you receive glimpses of a musical “genius.”

Emil was a man known by many people. On page 9 of "Aspiration . . . Anecdotal Snapshots of Genius,” there is a picture of Emil looking over the shoulder at two young people playing horns. The caption reads,

“The master, friend of Sibelius & Gershwin, like his Master, stoops to help children…which is what he loved most. I was about this age when he took me in as a friend…for life!” (“me” is the author, Robert Getz).

John Hallett’s association with Emil spanned many years. Their friendship began with their connections to the Salvation Army. Both men were involved in writing for the Army, as well as conducting at band camps. John studied composition and arranging with Emil. Emil arranged and scored a number of John’s compositions, particularly when John was the music editor for Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Company.

One interesting note: In 1972, as Emil was in a coma just before he passed away, Ruth Hallett sang gently into his ear “…Yes, Jesus loves me…” She said, “There he was, in a coma, and I couldn’t think of anything else to do!” Bob Getz recorded that in his book on p. 32 and Ruth also has related that story to me several times.

John and Emil combined their great gifts to give the church world some beautiful songs. These musical offerings were wonderfully arranged by a master arranger!

Below are some examples of Emil’s work with John. (click on image to enlarge)

(Click on image to enlarge)

Somewhere It Is Snowing

This morning in Missouri we awoke to a beautiful layer of a couple of inches of snow covering the landscape. After thinking..."Wow, it snowed!" (especially after Spring-like weather this week!), I thought "This is really beautiful."

Then I was reminded of a wonderful analogy: The ground around is still "brown" and there is a lot of dirt and junk still outside and in the area. Spring has yet to arrive, which means green grass and flowers and beauty! Right now we are in the middle stage where things don't look so great.

But when the snow comes and covers it all up, it is like God's grace covering our sin!

I wish it was an original thought: the grace of God covering our sin like the snow covers the ground, but no....I go back to a wonderful song entitled:

Somewhere it's Snowing by Stephanie Boosahda & David Stearman

Years ago when we were in Lake Charles, Louisiana, I was introduced to the song by a young lady named Cindy, who used to do sign language as she sang this song at Glad Tidings Church. The sign language adds such power to the beautiful melody and potent lyrics. We used it on a number of occasions. Later on we had the privilege of having one of the co-authors, David Stearman, come and minister at the church.

This is a great song. I think it is time to “resurrect it!” wonderful message. And, a great thing for all of us who have to shovel snow occasionally to remember (now I am in Missouri…not as much!)


“Somewhere it's Snowing”
by Stephanie Boosahda & David Stearman


I once read in a poem
When snow covers the earth
That it hides the world's scars and
Gives nature new birth.
And they say when a man turns
From sin to the Lord
That forgiveness like snow
covers him evermore.

(chorus)
And somewhere it's snowing,
See the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender
To the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus
That now covers our sin
In the kingdom of heaven
it's snowing again.

And it's told that the angels lift
Their hearts and rejoice
When one traveler turns homeward
From his way to the Lord's.
If somewhere someone's turning,
He's giving his all,
Then God's grace like the snow,
Is beginning to fall.

(chorus)
And somewhere it's snowing,
See the soft drifting down
As the snowflakes surrender
To the hardening ground.
Like the good grace of Jesus
That now covers our sin
In the kingdom of heaven
it's snowing again.

Want to see a video with the song in it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKs0bvLdzhc
This looks like it might have been part of a production.

John Hallett Q

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

Quartet

John Hallett was the Music Director for the Children’s Bible Hour (a one hour weekly national radio broadcast) from 1943 to 1946. His responsibilities included being the pianist for the Children’s Bible Hour Quartet of “Uncles!” Front row left to right: Carl Bihl, Morry Carlson, Mel Johnson. Back row: Johnnie Hallett, Malcom Cronk (See the undated picture above.)In 1942 when the program started there was not ONE “Uncle” but FOUR! Carl Bihl, Morry Carlson, Mel Johnson, Malcom Cronk. http://www.cbhministries.org/about/img/pics/pho255x175_1943_uncles.jpg

You can find more information about the quartet in the blog. Look under: Look under John Hallett A Accompaniment and C Children’s Bible Hour.

Each of the men in the quartet went on to ministries that touched the nation and the world. Here is a brief account of each of the men:

Carl Bihl: friend of John Hallett’s from their days together at the Moody Bible Institute, friends for the past sixty years. He gave the eulogy at Johnnie’s Celebration Service.
Among his ministries, Carl “Kelly” serves as the President of Youth For Christ International from 1963-65, right after Ted Engstrom and before Sam Wolgemuth.

Morry Carlson: early pioneer of Youth for Christ, and served on the Constitution Committee for Youth For Christ International. He became known as "Uncle Morry" when he sang with the Uncles Quartet on the Children's Bible Hour. In addition, he served as Director of the Winona Lake Bible Conference, and was one of the originators of Gospel Films in Michigan. Morry and his wife established Youth Haven Ranches in Rives Junction, Michigan, and Picacho, Arizona. The vision for the Youth Ranches sprang from Morry’s work as the founder of the original Youth Haven Boys Home for troubled teenagers in Muskegon County, Michigan.

Mel Johnson: A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mr. Johnson was converted as a child under the ministry of Mel Trotter. Upon graduation from Moody Bible Institute, he returned to Grand Rapids as director of music, radio and young people at the Mel Trotter Mission, and also helped to begin the Children's Bible Hour broadcast.

Following a pastorate in Toronto, Ontario, he became director of Chicagoland Youth for Christ and then became regional director and later first vice-president of that organization, with headquarters in Minneapolis. He was best know for his radio program, "Tips For Teens.” He traveled extensively speaking and writing books and materials especially for young people.

Malcom Cronk: In 1940 Dr. Malcom Cronk became pastor of Calvary Church (Grand Rapids, Michigan) at age 26. Three years later, Dr. Cronk felt called to travel with the Children’s Bible Hour. Then in 1945, he resumed leadership of Calvary Church, where he ministered until 1948. He pastored Wheaton Bible Church from 1952-1967. Later taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. Later served churches in California and Arizona.

As you can see, these four men, in addition to John Hallett, have impacted countless numbers of people through their ministry not only together on the CBH radio network, but then over many years of ministry in the local church, through the media of radio and writing books, as well as the music John wrote.

What an amazing group of “Uncles!”

John Hallett P

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

P = Piano

(Photo: Highland Lake Bible Conference, undated)

John Hallett and the Piano. They were inseparable….except when he was conducting. But, then he could conduct from the piano, too! John composed at the piano. Sitting on his piano was a holder with probably a dozen sharpened pencils, always ready in case a musical idea came along. John wanted to be ready to write! He no only composed at the piano, but performed. One thing that John was a strong proponent but also a practitioner of was accompanying.

A native of Binghamton, N.Y., John Hallett began his musical career at the age of six by studying piano at the Binghamton conservatory. Later training included organ, harmony, conducting and composition. He studied piano at Moody Bible Institute.

In his early years, he was most interested in baseball. Music too, of course, and he was the substitute pianist and organist at Calvary Baptist Church in Binghamton.

When John was 5 years old, he learned to play on an old player piano. The first song he played was called “It’s Three O’clock in the Morning.” John said that he had better learn to play some hymns—not the song of a few drunks! So, the first hymn he learned was called, “A Volunteer for Jesus.” He said, “As a young kid I enlisted.”

A friend was quoted as saying, “…he was the hottest piano player anyone in junior high school ever heard. He practiced assiduously! I don’t know any who didn’t like him.”

John was very faithful to Sunday School and church, in addition to his study of the piano.

One friend said that he was an outstanding pitcher in baseball, and if he hadn’t been so interested in music, probably would have made the Big Time. He also was “a very neat dresser. I never saw him look sloppy in my life.”

His discipline in school and at the piano paid off.

John wrote in an un-dated article: “I was always impressed with the music of the late Jimmy Davis, a trumpet soloist, pianist and superb tenor soloist. He and Evangelist Harry Vom Bruch were conducting Revival Meetings at our church. Jimmy usually accompanied himself at the grand piano. One day. Jimmy called me and said, “I hear you play piano. Come down to church and let me hear you play.” I accompanied Jimmy for several hours that afternoon. He showed me a lot of interesting things about accompanying. I had never accompanied anyone of that rank before.”

Later on when he went to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, he began traveling with Dr. Harry Vom Bruch in evangelistic campaigns.

Kelly Bihl, a life-long friend said, “It was also at Moody that Johnnie developed his unusual skills as an accompanist. Now it’s one thing to play the piano as a soloist. It’s another thing to be an accompanist. I was already a gifted piano soloist, now he learned the wonderful ability to make a soloist sound good. And I use that grammar just as I mean it. He made the soloist sound good. Incidentally, while accompanying our class in conducting, (you know down, left, right, up, down) he was accompanying the class. Do you know Johnnie’s music? Do you know his chord structure? Do you know how he plays the piano? Or how he did? He plays better now, but how he did then? He had the most unusual chord structure of any pianist I’ve ever heard. I think he, he really must have found the lost chord, because he used it regularly.

(In class one day at Moody Bible Institute) Johnnie was playing the accompaniment and putting in his own kind of harmonies, the professor would stop the music, “Everybody stop.” While it was, (because he was that kind of professor), while it was as silent in that classroom as it is in this room the professor would say, “Hallett”, that’s how he said it, I was there, I heard him say it. He said, “Hallett, Charles Gabriel had some good chord structure too. From now on play the music as it is written.”

There are many stories that could be told of John at the piano. His playing and his musicianship inspired countless numbers of young people, including one lady who has gone on to become quite a pianist herself, Nancee Olsen, one of his students.

The Newly Weds "New" (Used) Piano

Ruth tells the inspiring story of how the newly weds, John and Ruth, acquired their first piano.

“Well, we were just newly weds and we were in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Johnnie needed a piano. I liked him to be with me and he had to go to the studio to practice and do his arranging.

And so we prayed for a piano. We were only married a short time, may be a month, may be less. And, so, it was war time and it was difficult to get a piano and these German men, Otto and Hugo had a baby...an upright piano. It wasn’t very pretty, but it was a piano. They wanted $125.000 for it.

But we prayed and said ‘If they will take a hundred than that would be for us,’ but Otto and Hugo wanted more. They wanted a hundred and twenty five.

So, we accept it is from God and we said, ‘No, we wouldn’t take it.”

And then my husband’s secretary, she said, ‘Well, we have a baby grand piano. We’re kind of tired of dusting it. May be my mother-in-law will sell it.’

So, Johnnie and I were so excited. We didn’t have a car, so we got on a bus and went some place where the piano was. And, of course, on the way over I said for our wedding gifts we had enough to pay $200.00 for a piano and I said we can’t pay any more.

So, he didn’t know if we’d get a baby grand for two hundred, but when we got to the woman’s house of course he fell in love with the piano. It was…we hadn’t had our dinner and the evening went on and on and it got to be about 11 o’clock.

We said, ‘We really have to go and could you tell us how much you’d like for that piano?’ And she hemmed and hawed a while and she said, ‘Well, I think I should get at least $200.00.’

So, we were so happy and we were praising the Lord all the way back. So, I said, ‘God taught us a lesson that His choice was much better than anything we could choose.’ So, that was one of the best lessons we learned as a bride and groom.”

John and Ruth learned many lessons in trusting the Lord. Time after time God came through in answers to their prayers and worked in marvelous ways.

A Defining Piano Moment

From my observation of John’s life, after reading stories and doing interviews, I believe there we one defining moment in his life that impacted not only his ministry but his concern to impact the lives of young people. This was the story of the time when he was eight years old. Here is John’s account:

“When I was 8 years old my Dad told me about a great evangelist who was coming to our home town. Binghamton, N.Y. His name was Billy Sunday.

One cold, blistery Sunday afternoon in January, my mother. Dad and I went to hear the famous evangelist. As we entered the tabernacle, dad said, “I want you to sit down front so you can listen to this outstanding preacher without distraction”.

The mammoth tabernacle was alive with anticipation. Walking down the isle, I felt the excitement of hundreds of people around me.. Two grand pianos were on the platform placed on either side of the podium. HOMER RODEHEAVER stood to lead the singing.

Alfred H. Ackley known as A.H., sat to the right and accompanied Mr. Rodeheaver as he played his trombone and sang. Alfred’s brother. Bentley D Ackley, or B.D. sat at the other piano. These two brothers wrote over 5500 hymns, many of which we sang today.

Listening to the Ackley brothers embellish the music with beautiful chords, watching Mr. Rodeheaver’s lively song leading and being swallowed up in the sea of a huge choir, enthralled me. As a little kit just 8 years old, it became the desire of my heart to play the piano like those two brothers, to be a song leader like Mr. Rodeheaver.

At the first part of the service, Mr. Rodeheaver yelled over to the pianist, “the song is a little too high for me, would you transpose it to a lower key?” The skilled accompanist switched to a lower key and played awe-inspiring music, just as if it were written out for him. Tears welled up in my eyes. I knew I wanted to become a musician.

I prayed. Lord, help me to be able to transpose music for soloists one day”.

One day, about 15 years after that blustery Sunday afternoon of my conversion, I received a call from Mr. Homer Rodeheaver who was in Evansville, Indiana at a large evangelistic center. “I am going to be giving a concert tomorrow night,” he explained. “I wonder if you would be able to come down and play for me.” I went down to Evansville and accompanied Mr. Rodeheaver, thrilled that God had allowed me to accompany the gentleman I admired so much during the time of my conversion. During the concert Mr. Rodeheaver yelled over to me at the piano, “Johnnie, the song is a little too high, would you please put it down a step?”

As I transposed the song, tears of joy spilled down my face. To think God would answer my prayer so precisely, using the very man who inspired it in that cold, Sunday afternoon in Binghamton. New York.

I composed a chorus: “I will give you the desires of your heart”

God has been so good to us through the years and has given us the desires of our hearts, the things we hoped for!”

So, never think a child is too young for God to speak to them! I believe God has put certain things within each on of our hearts. Part of the process of living is to discover those. He said that He gives us the desires of our heart. God certainly did that for John.

God is not only concerned about pianos, but also everything in our lives. Ruth told me that when they moved to California from New Jersey, it was up to her to find a house. John was in another state at that time. Regarding what kind of house to purchase, John told her ‘I don’t care what kind of a house you get, but make sure I have a large enough room for my piano (laughter)…to write music.’

And, God again supplied!

Concerning that piano, Ruth went on to say, “Johnnie and I would (sit here together)..he’d play the music. It was music, music, music everywhere. It delighted us and we’d talk about music and listen and enjoy being here together. When he’d play and compose, I sat on the bench next to him I saw so many beautiful songs created here in this room. And he loved this room. He’d go over there and write at that…what do you call that….his little desk. He was there and he’d look up there before he’d start writing and it (picture on the wall) says “Call upon Me and I will answer and show you great and mighty things which you know not.”

And he’d call upon the Lord to help him as he was writing, to put in his mind what He wanted him to say. But everything he wrote was to glorify Jesus. Every song was all about Jesus.”

Jesus, the piano and John! What a combination! When John sat to write and “called upon the Lord,” God did what He said He would do. He showed him great and mighty things he did not know. As a result, the world has been impacted with the message of songs that continue to live on through the decades!

Just as the keys of that Steinway and Sons piano submitted to the skillful hands of the pianist, John Hallett, so John Hallett submitted to the hand of God. As a result, beautiful music came forth from his life and it has inspired many!

If you have been impacted by John Hallett, I’d like to hear from you either with a comment on this site or by e-mail me at rthomass@cbcag.edu Tell me how John’s music and his life impacted you.

John Hallett O

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

Others say about John

Today we present several articles written about John in his early years of music ministry.

To read these stories about John, click on the article to enlarge. "Jolly Good Fellow" was written by one of the poets, Charlotte Arnold, whose works John would put to music. This was written for the publication "My Counsellor" Vol. 4, No. 1. This was part 4 for January 27, 1946.

(Click on picture to enlarge)

(Click on picture to enlarge)

Singing Along....a collection of gospel songs and choruses compiled for....Youth

by Johnnie Hallett

Price 50 Cents Each, Postpaid

Radio Gospel Publishers

Ridgewood, New Jersey

Copyright, 1947 by John C. Hallett

John Hallett N

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

N = Northeastern Bible College in Essex Fells, New Jersey

Among the many things John Hallett accomplished in his life, one continues to impact students and people around the world. He was a co-founder of a Bible College.

Here is a conversation I had with Ruth about the founding of Northeastern Bible College, formerly of Essex Fells, New Jersey. Additional notes are inserted between parts of the conversation.

Ruth: "When they were at Highland Lake….Daddy Pettengill (Dr. William L. Pettengill, co-editor of the Schofield Reference Bible) and Johnny (at that time the Minister of Music at Brookdale)…and they (along with Dr. Charles W. Anderson, Pastor of Brookdale Baptist Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey) just got together and they decided that they needed to have a Bible College. So, that’s how it started with, I don’t know, about how many students.

[Note: It was during the summer of 1950 that the three men met at the Highland Lake Bible Conference, Highland Lake, New York, where they were serving the Lord together.]

How they got that [the place where they established the school]. It used to be a girl’s school and some how they got the property. It was really beautiful up in Essex Fells, New Jersey. That I think was about 1950

Roger: Dr. Pettengill was a co-editor of the Scofield Reference Bible?

Ruth: Right. And those students from that school…Oh, my, they’re missionaries all over, doing wonderful work from that Bible College.

Roger: So, he (Pettengill) wasn’t really associated with the church and Charles Anderson

Ruth: No, he was just at the Bible Conference in Highland Lake. (It’s in) the Tri-States…they come together PA, NJ and NY….Somewhere up…it might have been Pennsylvania. But it all…Port Jervis (sp), up that way. I couldn’t tell you exactly. I think whether its NY or PA; it’s not NJ though.

Roger: One account says, “It started at Brookdale Church in 1950. 6 students from 5 states made up the student body.”

Ruth: Yah, that’s about right. (Laughter) 6 students. And the choir was made up...I forget…of the teachers.”

--------------------------------------------------------------
Notes about the school’s development: When Dr. Anderson, Dr. Pettengill and John got together in 1950 at the Highland Lake Bible Conference, Highland Lake, New York, they felt that the New York Metropolitan Area needed a daytime Bible Institute. As they talked and prayed, Dr. Anderson began to wonder if perhaps the Lord desired Brookdale Church to use its facilities to begin such a school. So they opened at Brookdale Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey in September 1950. November 11, 1951 they held their first open house. This became a tradition on November 11 in subsequent years and in ’52 the campus was at Essex Fells. By 1955 they had over 125 students.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Ruth: Yeah. It really grew. And I’m friends with a lot of those students. This one friend of mine we prayed for…her mother had died and.....she came to the school and she was so lonely And the kids would, you know, would come and help you…and I had her help clean my house. And she was so lonely . We prayed that God would send her a good husband and He sent her a fellow with red hair. (laughter) And she didn’t like red hair. (laughter). And then she said to me, “You know that red hair got prettier every time I saw him.” Now, he’s got gray hair.

I have to show you the book she wrote. We had 100,000 copies made of this book. Went into all the prisons in (state). You can take…..preach in the prisons in (mentioned the state) but a lot of the other ones they won’t let you. We had 100,000…my sister and I had printed copies of this book. First I helped her get 7,000 and then after that it went so well we had 100,000. (A) chaplain was on the air plane one day and he saw someone (who) gave him that book. He was so thrilled…he would love it for the prisoners.”

As a result, this book has been placed in prisons and many prisoners have come to know Jesus Christ through this book! Ruth and the author are great friends!

Ruth’s friend and former student of John Hallett? Phyllis Robinson. She is an author and conference speaker. She has written Great Ideas for Banquets. Children’s devotions: Keys for Kids, The Family Devotions Bible, and The One Year Book of Family Devotions, plus several magazine articles and booklets.

The book that God has used to touch thousands of prisoners is entitled Why I Believe the Bible is the Word of God (Phyllis Robinson. Published by Insight Publishing Company, Tulsa, OK)

You can find in at Amazon.Com, as well as other sites:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/1930027834/sr=1-10/qid=1235528341/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1235528341&sr=1-10


Northeastern Bible College has had hundreds of its alumni serve as missionaries who have gone all around the world. In addition to Phyllis Robinson, Bill and Joan Mial, who we talked about yesterday, were students at Northeastern.

A little further history: The school began as Brookdale Bible School, at the Brookdale Church in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The college relocated to a campus in Essex Fells, New Jersey, in the fall of 1952. The name was changed in 1964 to Northeastern Collegiate Bible Institute, and finally in 1973 to Northeastern Bible College. In 1999, The King’s College and Campus Crusade for Christ (which has merged with The King’s College in 1997) merged with Northeastern Bible College, formerly of Essex Fells, New Jersey. At that time the campus moved to facilities in the New York City. The King’s College: http://www.tkc.edu/


Photos of musical groups from Northeastern Bible Institute....1950's. (Click on photo to enlarge)

The following pictures are from the 1957 yearbook, Harvester, of Northeastern Bible Institute. (click on each picture to enlarge)

John Hallett M

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

M = Music

This was John Hallett’s life!

“But he loved baseball and he loved music, but ultimately it was music that won out, because of his love for music. (emphasis added)

"Those loves stayed with him throughout his life. And his musical gifts attracted the, then famous, evangelist Harry Vom Bruch. And while still a young man, just after high school, having the gift from God to play the piano, (a few people have been able to play the piano) he began traveling with Dr. Harry Vom Bruch in those evangelistic campaigns. It was during that time that he went to the Moody Bible Institute where I also attended. And it was for that reason that he and I have been friends for these past sixty years. And I got to know something about Johnnie. He got to know some of my foibles. I never discovered any of his. But anyhow, it was while traveling with Dr. Harry Vom Bruch that Johnnie enrolled at the Moody Bible Institute. And it was there that our friendship of more than sixty year was begun and continued to the very hour that the Lords saw that his work was done.” (recounted by his life-long friend Dr. Carl (Kelly) Bihl during John Hallett’s Memorial Service)

As you read through the postings on this blog, you will see many aspects of John’s music and musicianship, his colleagues and his accomplishments. He also did a lot of writing for talks at workshops, clinics and in his church choir ministry. The following expresses his heart about the purpose and value of good sacred music.

The Purpose and Value of Good Sacred Music:

1. Spiritual songs in soul-winning effort create an evangelistic atmosphere, tune and temper the heart as nothing else can do. It kindles the revival fires.

2. It enriches the life of the preacher and people and brings the power of God into the hearts of men. The prophet Elisha valued music as the instrument which brought on him the hand of God in order that he might prophesy aright (2 Kings 3:14.,15)

3. It gives the martial spirit to the people as they make their marches against sin. It stirs men to their best in the service of God.

4. It is a powerful evangel of the Gospel. It preaches and teaches mightily the truth of God. The basic doctrines of grace are taught and applied in human hearts in a most effective way by gospel song.

5. Its spiritual cultural effect is very great. It lifts and elevated the people and gives wings to their aspirations.

6. It wins souls. Conviction is carried by song into hearts never otherwise open to the Gospel. It melts and breaks down hard hearts.

7. It unites, cements and solidifies fellowship and marshals the forces of Christ’s Kingdom. Gospel song will aid greatly in the unification of Christian people.

(un-dated notes from John C. Hallett’s files)

Minister of Music

1947-1955 Minister of Music at Brookdale Baptist Church Bloomfield, New Jersey,
Dr. Charles W. Anderson, Pastor.

Spring 1955 – October 15, 1967 Minister of Music Long Hill Chapel Chatham, New Jersey, Pastor Lee Webber

1967-1977 Minister of Music First Baptist Church of Lakewood, Long Beach, California, Dr. James A. Borror, pastor.

In addition to planning music for the services of the church, he directed and supervised the Sanctuary Choir, the Choristers, handbells, children’s and youth choirs, orchestra and ensembles. During this time he continued to arrange and compose.

Lakewood Choristers
First Baptist Church of Lakewood
Long Beach, California, Dr. James A. Borror, pastor. (undated photo)
(click pages to enlarge)




Mentor

John was a mentor to many people, including students young and old. I first learned about one he mentored as a boy in an interview with Ruth. “Bill Mial. He’s way up in Trans World Radio. We use do pick him up. Johnny had that Radio Kids Roundup and we’d pick him up…He and his sister played the trumpet. And he’d play…and we knew that guy from just a kid.”

Bill Mial wrote to me: “John in many ways was my primary mentor when playing my trumpet with his team (I was around 11 yrs old at the time!!). So, the relationship goes back a ways!!” (6/8/07 e-mail)

Bill went from being an 11 year old trumpet player to an illustrious career as a Trans World Radio missionary and strategic global initiatives representative. His work has included being the founder of TWR- India 1978, former Director of Trans World Radio-Bonair, former Director, TWR Europe,

Bill’s wife, Joan, his partner in ministry all these years, share her thoughts about John as a mentor to Bill and to her in an e-mail:

“From the time Bill Mial and I met at John Brown University I began to hear about John and Ruth Hallett. They were such a big part of Bill's adolescent years from the time he began to play the trumpet after a few lessons from a Salvation Army bandsman at age 9. Johnnie Hallett and Larry McGill had started a ministry called Radio Kids Round-up and Bill began to play with that group.

One summer Johnnie put together a Gospel team comprising a girls' trio, men's quartet and Bill as trumpeter. The first stop was York, Pennsylvania, for a series of meetings organized by Pastor Boyer. Johnnie was the pianist. Bill, a young teenager, was very impressed with the He-man broad shoulders on the two young men who had come to preach and lead the singing. One night after the service, the whole team went out for ice cream and again Bill was admiring those shoulders. Then one of the fellows said to the other, "Hey, I like your sport jacket." The other replied, "Wow, I like yours too. Let's trade!" So, off came the jackets and to Bill's great disappointment a lot of the broad shoulders was in the jackets and not on the 2 men! It seems neither of these young men had much of a wardrobe so they traded jackets in order to avoid wearing the same thing at each meeting.

The names of these 2 men were Billy Graham and Cliff Barrows! You can imagine everyone's surprise when a few years later they became famous from coast to coast because of God's blessing on their meetings in California.

I remember Johnnie mentioning one time that Mr. Graham had invited him to be their pianist and travel with them in their evangelistic ministry. Instead, Johnnie became one of the founders of Northeastern Bible Institute in Essex Fells, New Jersey and was head of the music department. Bill and I sang and traveled with the NBI choir under Johnnie's leadership. I must say, I learned more voice technique from singing under Johnnie's direction than I had learned in a year of private lessons.

Truly, Ruth and Johnnie Hallett were Bill's mentors during his youth, and in the years before we joined Trans World Radio and went to the mission field they helped us 'young marrieds' greatly as well as advising us in our deputation experience of raising support and starting out in Christian ministry. Years later Johnnie was asked to join the board of directors of Trans World Radio and this pleased us very much. It was our joy to host them in Monte-Carlo and on the island of Bonaire, two of the places where we served. We have always considered the Halletts some of our dearest friends and most faithful prayer partners.

Johnnie was also a prolific composer of gospel music and we feel he was far ahead of his time. Many of his songs could and should be a part of today's 'worship music'. One of his early compositions, for which Ruthie wrote the words, 'Thank You, Jesus, For All You've Done' is still a favorite of ours.

Johnnie also brought much blessing and joy into people's lives when he formed his own Chorale and took it out in ministry. Johnnie's life and music was a testimony to the goodness of God and to his own commitment to Jesus Christ. The opening line of one of his songs sums up John C. Hallett's life, "My Song of Songs is Christ My Savior."(Sent: July 10, 2007)

Radio Kids’ Roundup: a radio program organized by John Hallett and Larry McGuill, 1947, Paterson, N.J. (left picture: John Hallett, director, far right, front row)

(click on picture to enlarge)

The group of which Bill Mial was a member.

John Hallett L

L= Leidzen, Erik (occasionally spelled Eric)

Continuing in

John Hallett: From A to Z

Hallett studied privately and was an associate of the internationally known conductor and composer, Erik Leidzen (1894-1962), who was responsible for many arrangements sung by the John Hallett Chorale and Orchestra on their first album. John and Erik were friends up to the day Erik died. Erik arranged many of John’s pieces for choir and orchestra. Click on examples above.

Norman Bearcroft writes about Erik Leidzen: “Among many Salvationists (The Salvation Army) who emigrated to the USA in the late 1920s and early '30s were two remarkable personalities - Erik Leiden, from Sweden, and Emil Soderstrom from Denmark. Both were very gifted composers of music and, as such, made a dramatic impact on Salvation Army bandsmen and songsters.” See his article for biographical information: http://www.brasslink.nl/ldh_composers/Leidzen_Erik.html

For a book on his life, see Erik Leidzen Band Arranger and Composer by Ronald W. Holz, 1990 published by Edwin Mellin Press “Deals with the life of Erik Leidzen, a band arranger and composer for the Salvation Army who was among the first generation of American musicians to be able to maintain a profession as a writer/arranger of band music.”

For more biographical information, visit the Salvation Army International Heritage Center
http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki_ihc.nsf/vw-sublinks/912727EAA97B2BCF8025750D00498065?openDocument

Eric Leidzen was very involved with the Salvation Army, writing many scores for the Salvation Army bands and ensembles, along with arrangements for bands and orchestras across the country.

The Journal of Aggressive Christianity in its Issue 47 – February – March, 2007 lists the JAC 100 Most Influential Salvationists List. Here are the ten most influential in music:

Dean Goffin – 1st grand productions; composer

Eric Ball – composer

Charles Fry – 1st Brass Band

Eric Leidzen – composer

Sidney Cox – song writer

Richard Slater – Father of Salvation Army Music

Bill Himes OF - composer

Arthur Gullidge – composer; bandmaster of 2/22 Battalion Band of Salvationists that died in WW2 battle

Joy Webb OF – Joy Strings

John Larsson – musicals

Life-long learner

John Hallett was a life-long learner. His education continued throughout his life, even when he himself became a clinician. He was always a learner.

John began his musical training in his home town of Binghamton, New York. In due time, he studied at Moody Bible Institute, New York University and completed several professional choral workshops conducted by nationally known choral conductors (Fred Waring, Olaf Christiansen and Peter Wilhousky). He also studied privately under noted conductor-arrangers Erik Leidzen and Emil Soderstrom.

Fred Waring
Peter Wilhousky
Olaf Christiansen
Hawley Ades (arranger for Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians)
Erik Leidzen
Emil Soderstrom
Weston Noble

John began his musical training in his home town of Binghamton, New York. In due time, he studied at Moody Bible Institute, New York University and completed several professional choral workshops conducted by nationally known choral conductors (Fred Waring, Olaf Christiansen and Peter Wilhousky). He also studied privately under noted conductor-arrangers Erik Leidzen and Emil Soderstrom.

For example, click on the certificate for the Rodeheaver Sacred Music Conference at Winona Lake in the summer of 1962. He was in prestigious company when you look at the many songwriters who were part of that conference, such as Boersma, Schuller, Brock, Loes, Clayton, as well as the wonderful pianist Gloria Roe.

John Hallett K

Continuing in John Hallett: From A to Z

K = King
Margaret King, one of his co-writers

John Hallet collaborated with a number of different people on his songwriting. There are many advantages to collaboration. Paul Baloche and Jimmy and Carol Owens, three talented writers who have blessed the church over the last numbers of years with great songs, encourage collaboration.

“Synergism: Co-writing has its advantages. It can unlock writer’s block, and it’s a great way to develop your craft….(in co-writing) Each writer bring something different to the table: new ideas, hooks, images, words; new styles or techniques…Remember Solomon’s advice, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up.’ (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a (NIV).

But, collaboration is an art, and it’s not for the faint hearted. Check your ego at the door. What’s needed here are humility and teachableness…..You’ll need to be humble enough to accept a new direction or toss a pet idea…if a better one comes along.” (Baloche, Paul and Jimmy and Carol Owens. God Songs, How to Write and Select Songs for Worship. Lindale, TX: leadworship.com, 2004.)

Margaret King was one of John’s collaborators. She wrote wonderful texts. We learn more about Margaret from an interview I had with Ruth Hallett on May 17, 2007.

Ruth: She (Margaret King) was a precious jewel that woman. She used to write poetry. She invited the staff from First Baptist Church of Lakewood to have lunch with her. So, she tells the story that they got out in the car and Johnnie opened the door and yelled to her, “Margaret, do you write words?”

And she said, “Well, Johnnie, I do write poetry but never wrote words for a song.” So he said, “Come in to my office. Can you come in tomorrow” (or something like that) “and we’ll talk.”

So she said she went in fear and trembling. And he sat down with her and told her…he had a song he needed words for right away. And I don’t know if that’s the one she wrote for…what’s the guy that always wears the white shoes? Pat Boone…I think that’s the song… The words she wrote. I think that could be.

Ruth: He (Johnnie) would call her, “Margaret, I’m working…” He’d play the piano, put the telephone in the piano and she’d listen and they’d work on music all the time, the two of them. She was a lovely lady. She was a school teacher. Her husband was a principal of a school. She lost her husband the year my brother died in Viet Nam. It was like ’68. And so we became real good friends. Lovely lady. And she died. She had a stroke.

Roger: So John collaborated with a number of different people.

Ruth: Like Allan and her.

Roger: did Margaret go to church with you?

Ruth: Oh, yes. She was the head of the S.S…a fine Christian lady.

Roger: Was she an English teacher?

Ruth: Probably. She was lovely lady. She lived out in the desert somewhere and she would say how she was friends with the squirrels and the animals…And she would write her poetry.....she had such a good sense of humor. I used to day, “Margaret, Every song you end up with King, because that’s your name. (laughter) Always put your name in a song.”

Birthday Card

In an un-dated Birthday Card (last page in photo above), Margaret King wrote (alongside the text of the card)

Ode to the richest man on earth!

Dear Friend,

You are rich, Johnnie, in the quality of life you have lived. (p. 1)

You are rich in the multitude and quality of friends you have. (p. 2)

You are rich in the distance you have reached on this earth, both to see and to influence with your life and your music. (p. 3)

You are rich in the God who loves you and who you serve.
And you are rich in the unique and lovely companion He gave you.

(card text) May this birthday
be just the beginning
of a year filled with
happy memories
wonderful moments
and shining dreams.

(and she added) And my love,
Margaret (signed) (last page)


Sample of Margaret’s writing:

That Glorious Day
Lyrics by Margaret King

Verse One
No tears tomorrow O blessed promise!
With burdens ended we’ll weep no more;
His joyful presence will banish sorrow
In God’s tomorrow, forever more.

Chorus
No tears tomorrow, no sadness there,
No tears tomorrow, no pain or care;
All grief and heartaches He’ll take away,
In God’s tomorrow that glorious day!

Verse Two
No night, no darkness He’ll be our sunlight,
The broken hearted once more will sing
No pain, no dying in that great homeland
Where God will meet us and be our king.

Chorus
No tears tomorrow, no sadness there,
No tears tomorrow, no pain or care;
All grief and heartaches He’ll take away,
In God’s tomorrow that glorious day!


Have You Ever Heard That the Lord Loves You?
Lyrics by Margaret King

Have you ever heard that the Lord loves you
So much He was willing to die for you?
He’s planned such a beautiful life for you
That you would love Him as He loves you.

So turn back to God, He will heal your soul.
Now give Him your life He will make it whole.
Let Him be your guide as the days unfold.
You will find there is love, there is peace, there is joy,
And life everlasting for you.

Oh, there is a gift, a beautiful gift
That’s waiting for you my friend.
If you will believe it is yours to receive
A treasure that has no end.

Have you ever heard that the Lord that the loves
So much He was willing to die for you?
He’s planned such a beautiful life for you
That you would love Him as He loves you

So turn back to God, He will heal your soul.
Now give Him your life He will make it whole.
Let Him be your guide as the days unfold.
You will find there is love, there is peace, there is joy,
And life everlasting for you.


By Your Side
Lyrics by Margaret King and Leroy C. Weber
John Hallett and Allan Davies

Verse One
Let me come to a place by Your side loving Lord.
Let me feel the warm touch of Your hand.
Fill my mind with Your wisdom, my heard with Your love,
And my soul with Your kind understanding.

Chorus
I bring You my failures, my weaknesses too.
I bring You my sorrows and give them all to You.
Touch me Lord with Your spirit, oh sweet Holy Spirit.
Gentle Lord shine thru me as You long to do.

Verse Two
Help me place all my cares at Your feet, loving Lord
And my future I leave in your hand.
Help me trust in your promise rely on Your word
With a peace passing all understanding.

Chorus
I bring You my failures, my weaknesses too.
I bring You my sorrows and give them all to You.
Touch me Lord with Your spirit, oh sweet Holy Spirit.
Gentle Lord shine thru me as You long to do.

I bring You my failures, my weaknesses too.
I bring You my sorrows and give them all to You.
Touch me Lord with Your Spirit, oh sweet Holy Spirit
Gentle Lord shine thru me as You long to do.

Let me come to a place by Your side
Only there is my soul satisfied.