Amazing Grace. The Museum of the Bible suggests that the hymn was first sung at the Manor Of Olney rather than the Parish Church. "It was January 1, 1773. John Newton led his congregation down the road from the parish church in Olney, England, to Lord Dartmouth’s Great Hall to sing “new” music not traditionally allowed by the Anglican Church."

The Lordship of Olney; Lord Dartmouth’s great interest in the Evangelical Revival earned him the name of the Psalm Singer, and though Colonial Secretary in 1772–5 and Lord Privy Seal in 1775–82 he found opportunity for interest in the schemes of Newton and for correspondence with the leading members of the seriously-minded society of his day.

The Museum of the Bible; January 1, 2023, is the 250th anniversary of the first time “Amazing Grace” was ever sung. In celebration, Museum of the Bible has launched an online exhibit today. Enjoy a timeline of some of the most pivotal moments in the song’s life and see how each verse of the song corresponds to a part of Newton’s New Year’s Day sermon. Guests can also listen to different historical adaptations of the song through our jukebox feature, experiencing the many verses and tunes that have been part of the hymn.