Orlando S. Grinnell was better known as a preacher than a songwriter. Still, the Wayne pastor's single hymn was a hit, not for its timeless melody but for its title. In 1921, the minister wrote a hymn for his flock to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Wayne Congregational Church. Grinnell titled it "The Little Home Church by the Wayside."
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Tune Title: [Was there ever a friend like Jesus?]First Line: Was there ever a friend like Jesus?Composer: O. S. GrinnellIncipit: 33212 34315 43244Date: 1905