Friends of Stony Stratford Library Talk: Amazing Grace at 250

The next FOSSL talk on 11th October will be Amazing Grace at 250: Cowper, Newton and the Story of the World’s Best Known Hymn.

The talk will be on the Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney, with particular focus on the famous hymn “Amazing Grace” which is coming up for its 250th anniversary. The hymn, although published in 1779, was written in 1772 by the poet and Anglican clergyman John Newton. It is an immensely popular hymn used in religious settings, but  has also become more generally popular with various versions from Judy Collins to Aretha Franklin. John Newton wrote the words based on personal experience and regret.

Our speaker, Tom is a Trustee of the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney, Chair of Olney Archaeological Society and is well known for his historical talks and walks in and around Olney.

As usual the talk will start at 7pm and will be followed by the opportunity to ask Tom questions, and to share with us a glass of wine or soft drink, and delicious home made cake. 

Tom has kindly supplied a list of books around the topic if you would like to read up about it in advance. These are:
Jonathan Aitken - John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace, and
Neil Curry – William Cowper: A Revaluation
If you would like an academic examination of the religious developments of the period:
D. Bruce Hindmarsh – John Newton and the English Evangelical Tradition

Tickets will be available from the Library - in person or via a phone call - from Tuesday 20th September.

Kathy Luff, FOSSL Secretary