Lyr Req: The Old Family Circle

Subject: Lyr Req: The Old Family Circle
From: cnd
Date: 27 Feb 21 - 10:03 AM

Here's a request I've migrated from the Pastor & Mrs. Buck Ledford thread:

Subject: Will The Old Family Circle Be United Up There
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Feb 21 - 09:57 AM

Anyone know this. I heard it as a child in the 40s and 50s in NC I can’t find it anywhere.

In an old fashioned cabin we were seated one night.
By an old fashioned fireside that was burning so bright
With Father and Mother and Sister so dear
Will the old family circle be United up there.

Chorus
Will the old family circle be United up there
In that beautiful city called heaven so fair
With Father and Mother and Sister so dear
Will the old family circle be United up there

God gave his own dear son and to die on the cross
That no one should perish and that no one be lost
Oh have you received him and his blessings share
Will the old family circle be united up there

With the burdens of this life and the trials lay down
I’ve a home over yonder with a robe and a crown
that Jesus has gone on up there to prepare
Will the old family circle be United up there

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Family Circle
From: cnd
Date: 27 Feb 21 - 10:06 AM

While I can't find any text to confirm, I would wager that this is the correct song:

THE OLD FAMILY CIRCLE by Albert Trent
First Line:        In an old fashion cabin
Title:        The old family circle
Author:        Albert Trent
Refrain First Line:        Will the old family circle be united up there

You can find it in the following hymnal: Sacred Memories for Occasions of Reverence #d44


https://hymnary.org/text/in_an_old_fashion_cabin

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Family Circle
From: GUEST,#
Date: 27 Feb 21 - 10:15 AM

I just cross-posted with you, cnd. (See other thread.) Sorry about that.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Family Circle
From: GUEST,#
Date: 27 Feb 21 - 02:25 PM

https://hymnary.org/hymn/SMOR1942/d44

That shows a publication date of 1942.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Family Circle
From: cnd
Date: 28 Feb 21 - 10:42 PM

It's all good, GUEST,#.

I noticed a copy of the hymnal online for 5 dollars (plus shipping). It should arrive by early March and I'll let you know if there are any more lyrics.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Family Circle
From: cnd
Date: 08 Mar 21 - 12:44 PM

Well, the book arrived today, and GUEST's memory was nearly perfect! No additional stanzas.

The only minor differences were that the stanzas of the text end ".. United in Prayer," "... Be broken up there," and "Be united up there" rather than all ending "United up there"

The only additional info I have to add is that it's copyright 1937 by The Hartford Music Co. and was originally published in "Love Beams" (or at least that's where this hymnal drew it from).

There is also a credit to Mr. and Mrs. Lawson Walker, but their contributions are not immediately clear to me.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Old Family Circle
From: cnd
Date: 07 Apr 21 - 09:43 AM

To finally wrap things up, there is a recording by The Johnson Family Singers on Columbia of this song. The Johnson Family was from Greensboro and active throughout NC. There's a non-zero chance that this is the band the guest was thinking of.