Staff Reports
The Capitol Rotunda was alive with heavenly sounds as Christians celebrated the powerful hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” played just before President Trump’s inauguration. The stirring notes wafted through the hallowed halls, seemingly sending a clear message: America’s heart beats loudly for faith and tradition, even when the political landscape grows contentious. The hymn, penned by Methodist minister Thomas Chisholm in 1923 and set to music by William Runyan, has resonated with generations, reflecting a deep reliance on divine providence that many Americans still embrace.
The lyrics, a beautiful proclamation of gratitude for daily mercies received, draw inspiration from the book of Lamentations, which speaks to the steadfastness of God’s compassion. Those in attendance to witness this musical moment recognized it as not just a performance of art, but as a reaffirmation of a nation’s spiritual backbone. Comments flying online sang the praises of the hymn, reflecting the elation of many who still see faith as a cornerstone of American identity. The simple yet profound joy of believers echoed through social media, with remarks expressing pure delight at hearing a hymn so richly woven into the fabric of American heritage.
Amidst this backdrop of spiritually charged patriotism, the inaugural ceremony showcased not just “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” but also a stirring rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” by the Naval Academy Glee Club. This powerful song, born during the Civil War era and penned by Julia Ward Howe, is a battle cry for freedom and justice—values that resonate strongly among many conservatives today. The inclusion of such a piece emphasized a shared history of overcoming adversity through faith and determination, two qualities that are ever so relevant in today’s tumultuous political climate.
Christians Rejoice as Familiar Tune Is Heard at Start of Inauguration Ceremony: “Praise the Lord!” https://t.co/oH6r4Qy4X0 pic.twitter.com/48uzX5Se8N
— The Western Journal (@WestJournalism) January 21, 2025
And while the music played, the ceremony carried a unique twist of its own, as Grammy-winning singer Carrie Underwood faced a technical hiccup with her performance of “America the Beautiful.” Undeterred, she encouraged the crowd to join her in belting out the beloved anthem of national pride—a quintessential moment that captured both the spirit of resilience and the unity Americans hold dear, another core right-wing value that thrives in the face of obstacles.
In a time when political discourse too often drowns out the voices of traditional faith and American pride, the hymn resonates as a unifying theme. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” swayed not just a gathering of believers but struck a chord with all Americans yearning for a return to core values that have guided the nation since its inception. The music interwoven with the ceremonial events served as a reminder that, regardless of political affiliations, the threads of faith and communal spirit remain powerful elements in the American story.
