McDonald - "I Must Tell Jesus" (Tara Curtis, mezzo soprano)

SOLO "I Must Tell Jesus/Blessed Assurance"
(music by Mary McDonald, 2011)
Tara Curtis, mezzo soprano; Dale Morehouse, piano
St. John's Methodist - Kansas City, MO
August 18, 2024
“I Must Tell Jesus” encourages those who are struggling by reminding them that they do not bear their burdens alone, but have Christ to help them along their journey. There are several scriptures alluded to in this hymn, but the one that stands out is Hebrews 2:18 which says, “He is able to help all those who are being tempted.” No matter the struggle or burden, Jesus will be with His people to bear their burdens. The tune and text for this hymn were written in 1894 by Elisha A. Hoffman, a Presbyterian minister who composed more than 2,000 gospel songs, including "Leaning on the everlasting arms.” Arranger Mary McDonald combines this with the familiar refrain from Fanny Crosby’s “Blessed Assurance.” These are wonderful examples of gospel hymns of the late 19th century: simple, truly evangelical in spirit, with an emotional appeal that comes from their rousing tunes and from the personal experiences described in the texts.