Part I: Introduction of the Composer
Borghild Marie Schoberg Jacobson was born August 22, 1932
at Fargo, North Dakota, to Gustav L. and Anne (Rosheim) Schoberg.
Borghild was reared in Moorhead, Minnesota, where both of her
parents were on the language faculty at Concordia College. Living
only a few blocks from campus, she sang regularly for campus
and church gatherings from age four. Following high school, she
entered the college for undergraduate studies and earned her
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education in 1954. She sang in the
internationally recognized Concordia Choir, which toured extensively
throughout the United States and Europe. In addition to her bachelors
in music, she pursued graduate studies in music and English at
the University of Minnesota.
Following Borghild's marriage to Harvey K. Jacobson on June 10, 1962 at Moorhead, she lived twelve years in Grand Forks, North Dakota where Harvey held positions at the University of North Dakota. In addition to his position in administration as the Chief Public Relations Officer, he held academic rank on the journalism faculty. During this time, Borghild taught Sunday School and directed several choirs at Augustana Lutheran Church.
In 1974, Harvey and Borghild, along with their two children Paul and Maren, moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where Harvey accepted a position at the University of Michigan as Assistant to the Vice-President for University Relations and Development. He also served on the journalism faculty. In Ann Arbor, the family became actively involved in the ministry of Zion Lutheran Church. Borghild sang in the choir, served as choir librarian, and directed the operation of the large church library which she helped organize. Borghild shared a close professional working relationship with Dr. Donald Williams, noted organist and choirmaster of the church. During this period, her musical output flourished both in terms of writing and performances of her music. A special service honoring Borghild and Harvey was held at Zion on August 5, 1984 before they moved to Wisconsin. The entire service, other than the liturgy, included Borghild's compositions.
In September of 1984, Harvey and Borghild moved to Oshkosh where they joined First English Lutheran Church. Harvey joined the journalism faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, retiring as professor emeritus of journalism in 1993. At First English, Borghild sang in the choir, wrote music for The Tableaux[1] (an annual Holy Week presentation) and served on the Worship Committee. She also served as a volunteer for the Mental Health Association of Winnebago County organizing and building a library for the organization.
Throughout her musical and literary career, she wrote journal articles, a book about the personal use of the sign of the cross called More Than Words, and the words and music to over 200 vocal works including choral anthems, quartets, duets, rounds, hymns and solo works. She had a strong interest in writing songs for small parishes and soloists of minimal training. Her music and lyrics have been published by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, St. Louis; Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis; Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis; Fortress Press, Philadelphia; Morning Star Music Publishers, St. Louis; and Evangelical Lutheran Women, Winnipeg, Manitoban. Many of her works are self-published. In addition to writing church music, she gave presentations, lectures and workshops in several states.
To many she is best known for her signature hymn, "This My Church Shall Be." This hymn was chosen in 1991 as the theme hymn for the annual convention of the East Central Wisconsin Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The hymn was also selected by the Metropolitan Washington, D. C., Synod of the ELCA as the theme hymn for the 1994 Reformation Festival at the Washington National Cathedral. The hymn, frequently used at various other church conventions, is regularly used by many churches throughout the United States and Canada.
In September of 1992 Borghild was diagnosed with cancer. She died June 16, 1994 at Bethel Home in Oshkosh. Funeral services were held in Oshkosh on June 20, with burial at a country cemetery near Langdon, North Dakota, on June 23. Shortly before her death, she finished editing a book called Concordially Yours. The book includes scripts and commentary about her father's radio programs, called "Cobbercasts," which ran from the 1930's to the 1960's at Concordia College, Moorhead.
+ Blessed be the memory of Borghild Schoberg Jacobson +
Part II: Commentary about the Composer
Memories of Borghild
I met Borghild at First English Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, where
I served as one of the organists and founding director of the
handbell choir. Borghild and I enjoyed each other's company and
often discussed worship and music. She encouraged me to consider
arranging some of her songs. In 1988, I arranged two handbell
settings of her signature hymn, "This My Church Shall Be,"
for a special concert at First English on May 22, 1988. Borghild
attended the event and was recognized for sharing her special
hymn. In a letter to me on April 26, 1988, she wrote: "I
am so pleased that you have done this arranging. I have been
looking a long time for someone who has arrangement talent to
put flesh on the bare bones of my small songs. I hope that some
day you will do more with other of my songs."
In March of 1991, I presented five of Borghild's works in a performance presented by Maestro Productions, Inc. at the Grand Opera House, Oshkosh.[2] In this performance, called "An Easter Promise," I accompanied Borghild's sister, Rachel Hiebert of Moorhead, Minnesota, who sang Borghild's music. During the next several years, I continued to perform and arrange a variety of Borghild's hymns and solo settings for various services and concerts.
In a final communication before her death, written March 3,
1994, Borghild sent me a copy of George Henriksen's choral arrangement
of "This My Church Shall Be." In her letter she mentioned
the possibility of her hymn, "This My Church Shall Be,"
being used for a Reformation Festival at the Washington National
Cathedral. She commented, "Wouldn't that be a thrill!?"
The enthusiasm, however, turned sober as she informed me that
her "cancer is proceeding on its nasty course." Before
closing the letter she reminded me: "Please remember also
that I have lots of songs in my living room waiting for a home
with a musical arranger." Four months after her death the
hymn was used at the Reformation Festival in Washington.
Conclusion
In preparing this document, Harvey shared with me comments about
Borghild's music included in letters from clergy, music directors,
choir members, friends and parish members. Some of the notable
qualities in her music that these people frequently commented
on were: singable melodies, expressive words, impressive music,
words and music that intertwine and support each other, an appeal
to all age groups, meaningful texts, an ability to crystallize
the purpose of the church, personal and emotional impact and
music of enduring quality. This is but a sampling of themes
supported by many wonderful comments from clergy and lay people
throughout the church. Her music and hymns continue to influence
the spiritual lives of Christians from many denominations.
Borghild Jacobson was an individual blessed with great talent. She used her talents to serve God, to serve the church and to serve others. Her music has touched the lives of countless people who have found inspiration, consolation and understanding through her carefully crafted texts and beautiful melodies. Her song, however, does not end here. The legacy of her creative works lives on, uplifting and inspiring many in the name of Christ.
+ Blessed be the memory of Borghild Schoberg Jacobson +
 |
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[1] This is an annual event held at First
English Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, WI for the past 25+ years.
It is presented by the Women of the Church and features Leonardo
daVinci's painting of the Last Supper in tableau.
[2] Maestro Productions, Inc., is an ecumenical, non-profit,
performing arts organization founded and directed by Mark E.
Bloedow. The organization was established in 1989.
Borghild Schoberg Jacobson
researched and written by Mark E. Bloedow in consultation
with Harvey K. Jacobson
Copyright 1999 by Mark E. Bloedow. All rights reserved.
This publication may not be reproduced in full or in part without
written consent from the author.
For permission, please submit your request via e-mail to: research@maestromeb.com.
Please also visit:
The
Hymnody of Borghild Schoberg Jacobson
researched and written by Mark E. Bloedow