Lam preserving classic hymns

The David C. Lam Christian Hymn Society choir.

By Audrey Martin

ONE THING most B.C. residents don't know about the Hon. David C. Lam, 82, is that he has a "tear quotient" when it comes to hymns.

Even as a child, Lam would become choked up and unable to continue singing a classic hymn. His mother would embrace him, saying, "It's alright dear, the hymn has touched you."

Decades later, the philanthropist and former Lieutenant Governor of B.C. is celebrating the third anniversary of the founding of the David C. Lam Christian Hymn Society.

On the Rafe Mair Show in October, Lam said: "I really love traditional hymn music and I find a lot of people do. It makes me sad that those hymns are disappearing."

Lam told BCCN that 'Blessed Assurance' (Fanny Crosby, b.1820) is his favourite hymn, and it serves as the society's theme song. He loves the line: 'Jesus is mine,' calling it intimate and warm.

"It's my Jesus," he explained.

Founded in 2002, the society, which has its own choir is a crosscultural, multidenominational, voluntary organization.

Its board of directors includes Dr. Henry Fung, who teaches medicine at UBC -- and who hopes to start a similar group in Hong Kong, as well as Beijing.

David Lam (left) with choir director Herbert Tsang.

My Passion for Hymns was produced strictly to give away to those who need to be ministered to through music. It is subtitled 'A life long hymn journey of Dr. David C. Lam,' and includes favourites from the other CDs.

"God has helped me understand deeply," Lam said, "that a good hymn can heal and touch the heart -- and this is true not only for Christians, but also for non-Christians."

The society's mission statement includes a description of hymns as "beautiful melodies with soul-cleansing lyrics." Lam stated that both he and a friend found great comfort in hymns after the loss of their wives. Lam was married more than 40 years.

Lam has many reasons to think highly of classic hymns and not just for their musical appeal. In the thirties in Hong Kong, his father's chauffeur, despite repeated invitations, would refuse to attend gospel meetings, but wait outside while the family attended them.

One day, when Lam overheard him humming the melody of 'Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross,' Lam wrote the lyrics for him, and the chauffeur began to attend church meetings. He became a Christian and was baptized. Later, he bought a truck and projector and traveled to the villages of Hong Kong's New Territories as a faithful evangelist.

Lam's grandfather was a Baptist minister; and when Lam and his family moved to Canada in 1967, they joined Oakridge Baptist Church -- where they found music and hymns were equally loved.

Lam became a Canadian citizen in 1972 and was B.C.'s 25th Lieutenant Governor from 1988 to 1995.

His career was in banking and investment until 1982, when he retired to focus on philanthropy. He received the Order of Canada in 1988, and has also received honourary degrees.

www.dclchymnsociety.org