The tune McIntosh is also known as New Britain.

There seems to be no good explanation for that.

New Britain or McIntosh

Stephen Leroy Riddle

Meter: 8.6.8.6

Amazing Grace is the beginning of a line from John Newton's poem "Faith's Review and Expectation".

This is an arrangement for StSong.

Amazing Grace may the favorite hymn of all. It is popular in almost all traditions. It speaks to any person who has felt like a wretch.  There are those who feel like they can take the word wretch out of this song, but without reaching the depths of despair, most of us are not capable of realizing what grace is.  It is just because of this speaking to those in the depths, or who have been there that this song is known by felons and saints, opera stars, rock stars and dive bar bands.

What we think of as Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound was actually called Faith's Review and Expectation by its writer John Newton.

Faith's Review and Expectation

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.

Twas 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,
I have already come,
Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secure,
He will my shield and portion  be
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
When mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

John Newton is known now as an 
abolitionist.  His path to that
fame was not easy.

John Newton

John Newton, was a sailor, a slave trader, a slave himself, and eventually a clergyman becoming a noted abolitionist.

He is mostly known today as a writer of hymns. He certainly led an interesting life.