Written for the 200th Anniversary of The First United Methodist Church of Hamilton, Ohio.

The text is taken from the famous Methodist composer, poet and pastor, John Wesley. The Light Shines in the Darkness is an attractive setting of the familiar Methodist text, "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" by John Wesley. There are numerous settings of these words in the hymnal, but this newest version is firmly grounded in the harmonic an rhythmic norms of modern America.

While it moves freely in and out of 5/8, then 6/8 and 3/4 etc., it does so in an easily grasped manner that replicates common speech patterns. Nothing is "forced" into a time signature, which often happens. Instead, the singer is invited to engage in the hymn by the rhythm used, at once familiar and fresh.

The scoring calls for congregation, 4 part choir, soloist, keyboard, bass and oboe. It can be equally successful just presented by congregation and keyboard alone. Those who attended the premiere were invited to participate, and found "The Light Shines in the Darkness" very easily learned and natural.

A "Must" for every Methodist congregation, this anthem fits well in any denomination from Roman Catholic to United Churches of Christ. Easily learned and presented.