50 Best Old-School Gospel Songs

There's a reason why old hymns are called classics: they've withstood the test of time. Old-school gospel songs have been around for decades, passed down from generation to generation, and still hold relevant messages today. In many ways, they're more relevant than ever, as they cover timeless topics like God's unconditional love, unfathomable grace, and the hope of salvation.

If you need inspiration for your church's praise team or want to take a trip down memory lane, check out our best old-school gospel songs list below (and don't forget to use a church management software to help you plan for your next worship service!)

22 Best Old-School Gospel Songs

We combed through a list of COGIC congregational songs to choose 22 songs we believe to be the best. These old-school gospel songs have both impactful lyrics and well-written melodies that will inspire your congregation and enrich the service. You may be familiar with some already, but you might also discover songs you haven't heard before. 

Check out these old-school gospel songs for your next worship service:

1. "Amazing Grace" by John Newton
2. "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" by Joseph M. Scriven
3. "Onward, Christian Soldiers" by Sabine Baring-Gould
4. "The Old Rugged Cross" by George Bennard
5. "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" by Julia Ward Howe
6. "Be Thou My Vision" by Dallan Forgaill
7. "Blessed Assurance" by Fanny Crosby
8. “I Saw the Light” by Hank Williams
9. "I Surrender All " by Judson W. Van Deventer
10. "It Is Well with My Soul" by Horatio G. Spafford
11. "Holy, Holy, Holy" by Reginald Heber
12. "Oh Happy Day" by Edwin Hawkins Singers
13. "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian" by The Five Blind Boys of Alabama
14. "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" by Thomas A. Dorsey
15. "Old-Time Religion" by Tennessee Ernie Ford
16. "I Shall Wear a Crown" by Thomas Whitfield
17. "We've Come This Far by Faith" by Albert A. Goodson
18. "In the Garden" by C. Austin Miles
19. "Just as I Am" by Charlotte Elliott
20. "He Touched Me" by Gaither Vocal Band
21. "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" by Andraé Crouch
22. “The Lord’s Prayer” by Dinah Washington

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7 Old Gospel Songs About Heaven

Modern Christian songs usually focus on who God is and what God has done for us. In contrast, old-school gospel pieces typically go beyond that, talking about eternity and what awaits us after life. These old gospel songs about heaven give us an inspiring perspective to find the strength to overcome life's toughest challenges as we set our eyes on what's to come (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Here are seven old gospel songs about heaven that will have your members looking forward to meeting God:

1. “Everybody’s Gonna Have a Wonderful Time Up There” by Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out
2. "There's a Great Day Coming" by Christian Gospel Choir
3. "When the Saints Go Marching In" by Bruce Springsteen
4. "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" by Willis Wallis
5. “Peace in the Valley” by Sam Cooke
6. "When We All Get to Heaven" by Eliza E. Hewitt (performed by Brad Paisley)
7. "I'll Fly Away" by Albert E. Brumley

21 Old Gospel Songs About Praise and Worship 

Praise songs talk about what God has done for us, while worship songs celebrate who God is and His character. Old-school gospel songs about praise and worship are the perfect way to encourage your congregation to focus on God and His goodness.

Below is an old-school gospel song list full of praise and worship to inspire your congregation. Choose one or two of these songs to sing during your next worship service to lift your church and glorify God:

1. "Praise Him, Praise Him" by Fanny J. Crosby
2. "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" by Oliver Holden and Robert Critchley
3. "To God Be the Glory" by Fanny Crosby
4. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas Chisholm
5. "How Great Thou Art" adap­ted by Stu­art K. Hine
6. "Give Thanks" by Henry Smith
7. "Praise the Lord, All Ye Nations" arranged by Charles W. Naylor
8. "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" by Charles Wesley
9. "O Worship the King" by Robert Grant
10. "All Creatures of Our God and King" by Francis of Assisi
11. "The Solid Rock" by Edward Mote
12. "Praise the Name of Jesus" by Jr-Roy-Hicks
13. "There Is Power in the Blood" by Lewis E. Jones
14. "O How I Love Jesus" by Frederick Whitfield

Some Christmas-related songs are also perfect for praise and worship, as they celebrate the birth of Christ and His role as our Savior. Plus, you don't have to wait until the holidays to sing these old classics:

15. "Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts
16. "O Come, All Ye Faithful" by John Francis Wade
17. "Joy to the World" by Isaac Watts (so good it's on here twice! ;)
18. "O Holy Night" by Adolphe Adam and Placide Cappeau
19. "Silent Night" by Joseph Mohr
20. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by Charles Wesley
21. "Angels We Have Heard on High" by Andrea Bocelli

What Is the Number One Gospel Song of All Time?

According to author Gilbert Chase, "Amazing Grace" by E. O. Excell and John Newton is the most famous old-school gospel song of all time. Jonathan Aitken, a Newton biographer, estimates that the hymn is performed around 10 million times annually.

Its popularity demonstrates that the song's powerful message of God's grace and mercy never fails to touch hearts. "Amazing Grace" will undoubtedly inspire your congregation to praise and worship, as well as be grateful for how He has cleansed and saved sinners from eternal separation from Him.

Here’s an excerpt of the song:

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind but now I see. Was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear, the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares, we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far, and Grace will lead us home.”

Timeless Anthems of Praise and Worship for God

No matter how old they are or how many times we've heard them, these old-school gospel songs still hold their value and inspire us with relevant messages. These timeless anthems allow us to "Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods" (Psalm 96:2-4).

Both young and old can find peace and joy in these songs as they strive toward Christ-likeness, being strengthened by songs that tell of God's love, grace, and faithfulness.