We received the following notice from the office of The Fellowship of Worship Artists (formerly The Fellowship of United Methodists in Worship and Music Arts (“The Fellowship” or FUMMWA).
We have received word that on May 21, 2023, Carlton R. “Sam” Young became a member of The Church Triumphant. We ask that you join us as we hold Rev. Young’s family and friends in our prayerful hearts at this time.
Rev. Young was a founder and original Charter Member of The Fellowship in 1955-56, and was an integral part of our organization. Known to his friends as Sam, he was a beloved friend, composer, teacher, editor, and writer. His passion for music, worship, and congregational singing has influenced generations of pastors, worship leaders, and congregations in The United Methodist Church and beyond.
Among his many other well known works and contributions to church music over the past 60+ years, Rev. Young released a new collection of his sheet music during the height of the pandemic, entitled “Today I Live: Hymns and Songs of Remembrance and Hope.” And in his 96th year, Rev. Young partnered with GIA Publications, Inc. to share the story of his lifelong love of church music. But his recently-released autobiography doesn’t stop there.
“I’ll Sing On: My First 96 Years” shares with readers Sam’s wit and personal history, while also offering us his professional expertise and insight into where church music has been, and where he hoped to see it lead us in the future. It is filled with rich stories and also offers worship artists another valuable and practical resource for creating transformative worship experiences in their contexts.
We grieve this profound loss to the music community at large and our Fellowship family specifically; but as Easter people, we rejoice in the knowledge that Sam’s song isn’t finished…that through eternity, he’ll sing on.
May the grace and love of the Lord be with you this day,
The Fellowship Leadership
