This book is a wonderful collection of original hymns covering virtually the entire liturgical life of the church. Christ is exalted in hymns for Advent, His Ministry, His Death and Resurrection. There are hymns for children; special times and seasons: Missions, morning, evening, baptism, marriage, bereavement and life everlasting. Throughout the book are short contemplative pieces written in the Taizé style. Choral benedictions provide a perfect bookend to this first volume. There is a hymn for you! Charles C. Cooke was born on the island of Barbados. He was raised primarily in a Methodist Church environment but was exposed to the Anglican traditions during his formative years at both elementary and secondary levels of schooling. (This dual connection continues to this day as he regularly worships at both Wesley Chapel Free Methodist Church and St. Timothy's Agincourt Anglican Church in Toronto). His interest in music in the early years was a direct result of his exposure to the rich hymnody of the Methodist and Anglican churches. He studied classical guitar and twice achieved awards of Merit at the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) in Barbados. He developed an interest in songwriting and has written and arranged a significant number of songs in popular genres for various local artistes. However, it was his involvement with the Wesley Chapel Sanctuary Choir which focused his attention on hymn writing and re-awakened his love of worshipping God in this way. One of his compositions, "Hear, O Hear My Prayer, O Lord", was first sung as an anthem at the annual Barbados Independence Church service at St James' Cathedral in Toronto. Hymn "What Joy Your People Feel Today!" was composed for the dedication of the new Vauxhall Methodist Church, Christ Church, Barbados. He currently resides in Toronto, Canada with his wife, June.
