Stewarts Creek Choir 'Rocks the Tennessee House'

The Stewarts Creek High School Choir impressed members of the Tennessee House of Representatives at the state capitol recently when they sang, 'Amazing Grace' and 'God Bless America.'

When I invited the choir to sing I asked choir Director Dr. Brian Russell if he would consider having the students sing the song 'Amazing Grace' and if the choir had a name? I thought it was rather fitting that the choir name is 'Ben Canto' which means 'beautiful song' in Italian. Both songs; 'Amazing Grace' and 'God Bless America' are truly beautiful, not only in their melodies, but their meaningful heartfelt words as well.

Music and its influence has played a vital role in our society, thus can have a positive influence on our society and its' well-being. The song, 'Amazing Grace' has inspired countless people from paupers to presidents.

The song has a powerful history. It was written by John Newton, a former slave ship captain in Great Britain. Newton, the self-proclaimed "wretch" was notorious for his wickedness and troublemaking.

When John was eleven, he went to sea with his father and made six voyages with him before his father retired. In 1744 Newton was forced into service on a man-of-war ship, the H. M. S. Harwich. The conditions on board were unbearable, he deserted but was soon recaptured and publicly beaten and demoted from midshipman to common seaman.

Finally at his own request he was exchanged into service on a slave ship, which took him to the coast of Sierra Leone. He then became the servant of a slave trader and was brutally abused. Early in 1748 he was rescued by a sea-captain who had known John's father. John Newton ultimately became captain of his own ship, one which worked the abhorable slave trade.

Although Newton had some early religious teachings from his mother, who had died when he was a child, he had long since given up any religious convictions. However, on a voyage bound for home, while he was attempting to steer the ship through a violent storm, he experienced what he referred to later as his "great deliverance." He recorded in his journal that when all seemed lost and the ship would surely sink, he shouted, "Lord, have mercy upon us." Later in his cabin he reflected on what he had said and began to believe that God had addressed him through the storm and that grace had begun to work for him.

For the rest of his life he observed the anniversary of May 10, 1748 as the day of his conversion and a day of humiliation in which he subjected his will to God and his higher power. "Thro' many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace has bro't me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." He continued in the slave trade for a time after his spiritual conversion. He saw to it that the slaves he was responsible for were treated humanely. He later joined William Wilberforce, a British lawmaker in his campaign to end the slave trade. In February of 1807 the act to abolish the Slave Trade became law, Newton, nearly blind and near death, "rejoiced to hear the good news."

After the choir sang they received a jubilant applause complete with a standing ovation and an elated smile by their Principal Dr. Clark Harrell I went out to the foyer and spoke to the students. I pointed out the bust of two prominent Tennesseans; one was Sampson Keeble, the first black state representative from the old Jefferson community just outside of Smyrna and Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest. I explained to them that important aspects of both men's are not mentioned in our history books or taught during black history month, Keeble served in the Confederate Army and a Republican and Forrest who had over 3000 African-Americans to show respect by attending his funeral. Later in Forrest's post-war work he served as a community leader and civil rights advocate for the black community.

Harry S. Truman once stated, "There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not know." Until recently I didn't know that a former slave ship captain helped to abolish the slave trade in Great Britain, I didn't know that the first black state lawmaker was born just outside of Smyrna where I was born and I didn't know that a vilified former confederate general advocated for the black community. Our great state of Tennessee is fortunate to have such a rich history, thus these stories should be told, especially during black history month.

(Mike Sparks serves in the Tennessee General Assembly representing the 49th House District that includes areas of north M'Boro, Smyrna, LaVergne and Almaville. He can be reached by email @ Rep.Mike.Sparks@capitol.tn.gov or call his office 615-741-6829)