John J. Overholt was born to an Amish family of limited means in the state of Ohio in 1918. As a child he was soon introduced to his father's personal collection of gospel songs and hymns, which was to have a marked influence on his later life. With his twin brother Joe, he early was exposed to the Amish-Mennonite tradition hymn-singing and praising worship.
An early career in Christian service led to a two-year period of relief work in the country of Poland following World War II. During that interim he began to gather many European songs and hymns as a personal hobby, not realizing that these selections would become invaluable to The Christian Hymnary which was begun in 1960 and completed twelve years later in 1972, with a compilation… Go to person page >
Pardon me, O my God,
That I, dust, ashes approach Thee,
Yet that which caused my tears to flow
Was the remembrance of suff’ring;
The cruel death of Thy martyrs,
Defenseless lambs, altogether,
Innocent, led to the water and fire,
To the sword and beast’s devouring;
Tune Title: ANRUFUNGFirst Line: Pardon me, O my GodComposer: John J. OverholtMeter: 8.8.10.8. with Ref.Incipit: 33432 15556 54331Key: D♭ MajorDate: 1972