Gospel musicians and couple Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote the lyrics to the song “I Believe in a Hill Called Mt. Calvary.” It’s a tune honoring the symbolic hill called Mt. Calvary. Mt. Calvary is that notable hill in the Holy Bible where Jesus did the greatest sacrifice. It’s actually a hill of life. Christ’s death on the cross in Mt. Calvary signifies the beginning of a new life for mankind. Hence, the song displays strong conviction toward that hill and the old rugged cross. The story of Corrie Ten Boom inspired the Gaithers to write “I Believe in a Hill Called Mt. Calvary.” Ten Boom is the sole survivor among her family members from the concentration camps during the World War II. Having experienced the horrors of the war in Nazi Germany, Ten Boom’s story is that terrible. Despite such, her experiences became a powerful testimony of her faith in Christ and later resulted in a beautiful song. During the latter years of her life, Ten Boom recalled a conversation that she had with her father. He told her that whatever God has called her to go through, He’ll surely give her the strength she needed. Additionally, she shared the tough process she went through learning to forgive those who committed such cruelties. One day, she was in direct confrontation with the very S.S. Officer who mocked her. At that time, she felt that she won’t be able to forgive the man. Hence, she prayed to God to provide her the strength to do so.
Songs with Banjo from Harold Hagler
