Church in the Wildwood
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns · Songs from the Little Brown Church Hymnal [RCA Victor] [1961]
No lovelier spot in the dale;
No place is so dear to my childhood,
As the little brown church in the vale.
Chorus:
Come to the church in the wildwood,
Oh, come to the church in the dale,
No spot is so dear to my childhood,
As the little brown church in the vale.
How sweet on a clear, Sabbath morning,
To list to the clear ringing bell;
Its tones so sweetly are calling,
Oh, come to the church in the vale.
Chorus:
Come to the church in the wildwood,
Oh, come to the church in the dale,
No spot is so dear to my childhood,
As the little brown church in the vale...
About Church in the Wildwood
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns delivered a spirited rendition of "Church in the Wildwood" on their 1961 RCA Victor album, Songs from the Little Brown Church Hymnal. As a staple of the gospel tradition, the song reflects the group's mastery of call-and-response patterns and rhythmic drive characteristic of the era. Brown, a renowned preacher and musician, often infused his performances with the cadence of his sermons, creating a unique fusion of religious fervor and musical energy. This recording captures the essence of mid-century gospel music, where the congregation's participation was central to the experience. The track stands as a testament to the enduring power of hymns that blend spiritual instruction with lively, danceable rhythms, influencing countless subsequent gospel artists who sought to emulate Brown's dynamic stage presence and vocal delivery.