Songs of Praise Catch up, Amazing Grace on BBC 1

Songs of Praise

Amazing Grace

Claire McCollum visits Olney in Buckinghamshire to celebrate 250 years of one of the most popular hymns in the world, Amazing Grace.\n\nOn 1 January 1773, John Newton’s now famous words were first performed in the parish church where he was curate. 250 years on, Claire visits that same church to discover the remarkable story behind the hymn, the extraordinary life of its composer and the reasons for the composition’s enduring power.\n\nIn Olney, Claire meets local experts who reflect on the life of John Newton, from his early years of debauchery as a sailor and then as a slave trader to his later life as a dedicated clergy man, hymn writer and abolitionist. Claire hears how a moment of epiphany at sea sparked a deep Christian that faith helped him to realise the full horror of his actions and compelled him to spend the rest of his life serving others and striving to abolish the evil of slavery.\n\nClaire also meets 30-year-old Jordan Hattee, who shares his own experience of God’s amazing grace - when finding faith rescued him from addiction and despair.\n\nAnd Mark DeLisser meets fellow choir master Craig McLeish, who has formed a new gospel choir especially for the Amazing Grace anniversary. Around a piano, they discuss the enduring power of Newton’s words and the mystery of what tune they may have first been set to. Mark then joins the gospel choir rehearsing in Newton’s church and hears why it is so special to sing the hymn in the place where it was composed, exactly 250 years on.\n\nWith hymns and songs from around the UK celebrating the grace of God.\n \nMusic featured \n1. Amazing Grace – Albert Hall, Nottingham\n2. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – St Patrick’s Church, Dungannon\n3. Amazing Grace (He Looked Beyond My Faults) – Brenda Edwards, Llandaff Cathedral\n4. This Is Amazing Grace – Aberystwyth Arts Centre \n5. There Is a Wideness in God’s Mercy – St Elizabeth’s Church, Reddish\n6. And Can It Be – St Pol De Leon, Penzance

Source: BBC 1

Most recent episodes of Songs of Praise

Songs Of Praise

Michelle Agyemang's Faith Journey

Sean Fletcher is in London to meet young footballing superstar and proud England Lioness Michelle Agyemang as she shares her remarkable journey of faith.\n\nAt her family church ...

30-08-2026

BBC 1

All episodes

Songs Of Praise

Celebrating Long-lasting Partnerships

Claire McCollum is in south London to celebrate long-lasting partnerships with their many joys and challenges, and the commitment in Christ that sustains them. \n\nClaire joins ...

23-08-2026

BBC 1

All episodes

Songs Of Praise

Countryside And Creation At The Royal Norfolk Show

The Rev Kate Bottley visits the Royal Norfolk Show – one of the largest agricultural events in the country, and one that has been celebrating food and farming in the count ...

16-08-2026

BBC 1

All episodes

Songs Of Praise

The Power Of Walking

Pam Rhodes is in Essex to explore how the simple act of walking can have a profound purpose.\n\nIn Chelmsford, Pam meets Ron Hedley, whose faith and personal experience have ins ...

09-08-2026

BBC 1

All episodes

Songs Of Praise

Mountains

Laura Wright visits the Scargill Movement Retreat Centre in the Yorkshire Dales to explore the deep significance of mountains in the Bible and how hills and high places can shap ...

02-08-2026

BBC 1

All episodes

Songs Of Praise

Trees

Laura Wright visits Ushaw Historic House in County Durham to discover the deep spiritual, emotional and symbolic connections between trees and the Christian faith. \n\nUshaw is ...

26-07-2026

BBC 1

All episodes

Songs Of Praise

Faith And Renewal In Hull

Aled Jones is in the historic city of Hull to explore how music, culture and faith are bringing new life to this historic city, resulting in it being named one of the top places ...

19-07-2026

BBC 1

All episodes

Songs Of Praise

Bear Grylls's Faith Journey

Sean Fletcher is in London to meet world-renowned adventurer, TV star and best-selling author Bear Grylls, who reflects upon his faith and favourite hymns. \n\nWhilst Bear is of ...

12-07-2026

BBC 1

All episodes

Songs Of Praise

Water Of Life

As we enjoy the summer months, Pam Rhodes visits Ashburnham Place Retreat Centre in East Sussex to introduce a feast of much-loved hymns that explore the profound meaning of wat ...

05-07-2026

BBC 1

All episodes

Songs Of Praise

Faith Across The Generations

Claire McCollum explores how connecting the generations can help our faith flourish and bring energy, joy and love to our lives. \n\nClaire visits a remarkable care village in C ...

28-06-2026

BBC 1

All episodes