Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning- Author: Virgil P. Brock. Brock, Virgil Prentiss. (Celina, Mercer County, Ohio, January 6, 1887–March 12, 1978, Rives Junction, Michigan). Son of Orlando H. and Elmira Brock. Education: Fairmount Friends Academy; Earlham College, B.A.; Cleveland Bible Institute and Training School; Trinity College, Honarary D.Sac.Mus. Member of the Quaker (Friends) Fellowship in the early years, but later was an evangelist in the Christian Church with membership in the First Christian Church of Warsaw, Indiana. In 1914, he married Blanche Kerr, who was his co-worker and collaborator for 43 years. They had one son, Dr. James Wilson Brock, professor of theatre at California State University, Northridge. Blanch Brock died January 3, 1958. In 1959, he married Martha Anderson. Brock began, “We were watching a sunset over Winona Lake, in Indiana, one evening. With us were two friends, Horace and Grace Burr. Horace had been blind for many years. We went to the dinner table still talking about that impressive sunset. The lake seemed to be ablaze with the glory of God. But above that unusual sunset were threatening storm clouds.” “As we talked about that sunset Horace said, ‘I never saw a more beautiful sunset, and I’ve seen them around the world.’ I said, ‘Horace, you always talk about seeing.’ He said, ‘I do. I see through others’ eyes, and I think I see more than many others see. I can see beyond the sunset.′ I said, ’Horace, that’s a great idea for a song, and I began singing: Beyond the sunset, 0 blissful morning, when with our savior heaven is begun.” “Grace Burr spoke up excitedly and said, ‘Blanche, that’s a beautiful thought! Go and play it.’ My wife went to a piano near by and began to play. We stopped eating and listened as she created the entire musical theme. I was too excited to eat. I found an old envelope in my pocket and laid it by my plate. I soon had written the first verse.”
Songs with Banjo from Harold Hagler
