HYMNS AND THEIR STORIES – 13 “Wonderful birth to a manger He came” Hymn lyrics and music: by A.H. Ackley 1887–1960 Tune name: “Pinebrook” Chorus: “Wonderful” Meter: 10.10.10.10 + chorus. Copyright: 1938 by the Rodheaver Company
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lfred Henry Ackley was born 21st January 1887 in spring Hill, Pennsylvania. His father, Stanley Frank Ackley, taught him music, and he studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He became a noted cellist after graduating from Westminster Theological Seminary, Maryland, and he was ordained in 1914 as a Presbyterian minister. He married to Helen Armacost, and he died in Los Angeles on 3rd July 1960. His older brother, Bentley DeForest Ackley, born September 27th 1872, was a musician and gospel composer. He could play several instruments, including the piano, melodeon, cornet, clarinet, piccolo and organ. Bentley (who composed with Alfred) is accredited as the author of the jubilant hymn, “There is joy in serving Jesus.” Alfred himself wrote about 1,500 songs, including the hymns: “All the darkness of the night has passed away” “I am happy in the service of the King” “I have found a wondrous Saviour” “I never walk alone, I have the Saviour” “I serve a risen Saviour – He lives!” “There’ll be light in the sky from the palace on high, when I come to the end of the road”
1. Wonderful birth, to a manger He came, Made in the likeness of man, to proclaim God’s boundless love for a world sick with sin, Pleading with sinners to let Him come in. Chorus: Wonderful Name He bears, Wonderful crown He wears, Wonderful blessings His triumphs afford; Wonderful Calvary, Wonderful grace for me, Wonderful love of my wonderful Lord! 2. Wonderful life, full of service so free, Friend to the poor and needy was He; Unfailing goodness on all he bestowed, Undying faith in the vilest He showed. 3. Wonderful death, for it meant not defeat, Calvary made His great mission complete, Wrought our redemption, and when He arose Banished forever the last of our foes. 4. Wonderful hope He is coming again, Coming as King o’er the nations to reign; Glorious promise, He word cannot fail, His righteous Kingdom at last must prevail.
The verse lyrics of the hymn “Wonderful birth to a manger He came” are entitled “Pinebrook” and the chorus lyrics entitled “Wonderful”. It spans the whole life story of Jesus, from His birth on earth as Saviour to His return to earth as King. Throughout the hymn, Ackley emphasises the word “wonderful”! A word which ably sums up the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, and all that He accomplished for the human race. Many modern congregational voices often lack the ability to reach the top F (included in the last line of the chorus in the key of C) and today it might be more helpful to use the musical key B flat.
Anthony K. Chamberlain
WONDERFUL “His Name shall be called Wonderful” Isaiah 9:6 A.H. Ackley PINEBROOK A.H. Ackley
