LETTERS: Famous composer has county connection years ago
To the Editor:
Many people within your readership have, no doubt, sung the hymns and cantatas of the internationally acclaimed composer, John W. Peterson (1921-2006). But how many of them know that this man had a firm connection with Marion and Morris counties?
Even though I grew up in Burdick, I was completely unaware of our strong ties with the songwriter until recently, when Mary Deane Peterson loaned me her copy of his autobiography, from the 1970s, "The Miracle Goes On." I do remember Eldon and Isla Rose Nelson talking about Eldon's famous composer first cousin when I was young, but the book helped me realize just how important Peterson's work is to modern gospel music — and how Burdick played a significant role in starting him out in his career.
Peterson was born and spent his early life in Lindsborg, but his maternal grandparents, Charles and Christina Nelson, lived on a farm between Burdick and Lost Springs. They were Swedish immigrants who had moved to western Morris County after a few years in Iowa. Charles was one of the charter members of Hebron Lutheran Church, but he later helped found the Mission Covenant church nearer his home.
"The Miracle Goes On" paints a vivid portrait of this quiet, dignified pioneer. John was so impressed with his thrice-daily devotions and prayers in Swedish that his granddad became the subject of his first publicly performed song on the radio. The autobiography quotes Grandfather Nelson telling the boy, "Johann, the Lord is going to use you some day. He will use you and your writing."
The Nelsons later moved to a house near the school in Lost Springs. (The building has since been torn down.) Charles lived there with his daughter, Hilma, until his death in 1939.
John W. Peterson started his career on the radio in Salina, where he was friends with a 20-year-old Paul Harvey, just starting work as a reporter. Later, he joined the Army Air Force and served about three years in Burma, flying the "China Hump." Back in the States, he formally studied music and eventually became the editor of the sacred music company, Singspiration.
During his life, Peterson wrote more than 1,000 individual songs, as well as 35 cantatas. His most famous work is "It Took a Miracle," which has been recorded by such notable artists as Mahalia Jackson, Eddy Arnold, and Kate Smith. Peterson has been called the "Dean of Modern Hymnwriters," and in 1986, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. A film also was made of his autobiography.
In the past few years, there seems to have been a renewed interest in Peterson's writing. The Internet has helped me find quite a lot of valuable resources, many of which will be of interest to church choirs throughout this part of Kansas. For example, I would highly recommend Tom Fettke's tribute anthem entitled, "Miracles." Also, Don Marsh has created a Christmas cantata called "It Took a Miracle," featuring 18 of Peterson's songs.
Musicians would be wise to check out this website: johnwpetersonmusic.com. The company features the "Legacy" CD, a work by Peterson's grandson, Scott Strader. It was recorded before John's death from prostate cancer in 2006. The CD is definitely worth the $15 price. Don Marsh's arrangements are masterful, and Strader's voice shows that he is a true professional — the perfect person to memorialize his grandfather's material. Please order a copy for your personal music library.
These days, I am mowing and tending the Mission Covenant cemetery at Burdick. Now that I know the story of John W. Peterson, I am especially drawn to the graves of Charles and Christina Nelson and their several children. I wonder if the Morris County Historical Society or some other group could investigate the possibility of putting up a monument or plaque in Peterson's honor (as well as a road sign to direct passers-by). This area has a solid historical connection that I definitely feel should be preserved.
Anyone interested in learning more about Peterson and his works can call me at 785-983-4497. I hope we can start a revival of his music in churches around here.
Thomas G. Nelson
Burdick
