1. When all my labors and trials are o'er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore Will through the ages be glory for me. 2. When by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in Heaven a place, Just to be there and to look on His face Will through the ages be glory for me. 3. Friends will be there I have loved long ago; Joy like a river around me will flow; Yet, just a smile from my Savior, I know, Will through the ages be glory for me. Chorus: O that will be glory for me, Glory for me, glory for me; When by His grace I shall look on His face, That will be glory, be glory for me.
Lyrics:
Charles Hutchinson Gabriel
Music:
Charles Hutchinson Gabriel
Tune: GLORY SONG
Meter: 10.10.10.10. with Refrain
Words and Music by Charles H. Gabriel, 1856–1932
The text for “O That Will Be Glory” was inspired for author and composer Charles Gabriel by his good friend Ed Card, superintendent of the Sunshine Rescue Mission of St. Louis, Missouri. Ed was a radiant believer who always seemed to be bubbling over with the joy of the Lord. During a sermon or prayer, he would often explode with the expression, “Glory!” Ed Card’s smiling face earned him the nickname “Old Glory Face.” It was his custom to close his own praying with a reference to heaven, ending with the phrase “and that will be glory for me!” It is said that Mr. Card had the joy of singing this hymn just before his home going—with the pleasure of knowing that his Christian life had been its inspiration.
Charles H. Gabriel was one of the best-known and most prolific gospel songwriters of the early 20th century. For most of his hymns, Gabriel wrote and composed both the words and music. His gospel songs were especially used during the large Billy Sunday evangelistic campaigns of the 1910–1920 decade.