"I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS" (Rhea Miller/George Beverly Shea) Soloist:Lionel Wood Pianist:Noel Jones

"I'd Rather Have Jesus"
Words: Rhea F Miller Music: George Beverly Shea
Lionel Wood has been well known for many years in Salvation Army circles in Melbourne and around Australia for his rich Baritone voice. Here he is accompanied by Noel Jones (OF) as he sings “I’d Rather Have Jesus” at the Victorian Seniors Festival in October 2018.
In 1932 Shea composed the tune to "I'd Rather Have Jesus," the words of which were written by Rhea F. Miller (1894-1966), the wife of Dr. Howard Miller, later a general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene. When RCA Victor signed Shea to a recording contract, "the song that the company chose to initially spotlight their new singer was "I'd Rather Have Jesus."
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I'd rather be His than have riches untold
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sins dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today
I'd rather have Jesus than vain applause
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame
I'd rather be true to His holy name
Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sins dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords
Than to be the king of a vast domain or be held in sins dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today
Recorded live on Tuesday 9th October 2018 at Deakin Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne.
Prepared in remembrance of our dear friend Lionel who was Promoted to Glory on 22nd January 2021.
And now a benediction -
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
Amen