However in 1910, the song was re-published with only the first three of Newton’s stanzas and was paired with a new, fourth stanza by songwriter and publisher, Edwin Othello Excell, “When we’ve been there ten thousand years…”.

In 1835 Newton’s lyrics were paired with the familiar melody, known then as “New Britain,” and was published in a songbook, The Southern Harmony, by singing instructor William Walker. In fact “Amazing Grace” has been associated with over 20 different melodies since its creation. The hymn was first heard on New Year’s Day in 1773, but the familiar words weren’t sung to the tune we know and love today. In 1772 Newton composed the original hymn, “Amazing Grace” which contained six stanzas the first 3 emphasize his separation from and journey to finding God, the later stanzas evolve to show God’s greatness as the source for grace in times of trial.

The story begins with John Newton, an English sailor-man who underwent a Christian conversion after experiencing the trials of life on the sea. Starting a new life as a Preacher, Newton focused on writing hymns to amplify the message of his sermons. The song “Amazing Grace” has a history as remarkable as its popularity being among America’s most well-known and recorded pieces of music.

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