Pioneer Hymns–Hannah Adams
An article in an earlier newsletter reminded us that the church is in the process of creating a new Hymnbook and Children’s Songbook. Church leaders in 2018-2019 requested submissions for a revised hymnbook and new “Children’s Songbook,” but Hannah Adams’ submission was sent in more than 175 years ago.
Did you know that a woman named Hannah E. Adams sent in a submission of four sets of lyrics with the hope they could be useful for the new hymnal being produced in 1843? Emma Smith was compiling a hymnbook and an ad had been placed in the Times and Seasons newspaper calling for “hymns adapted to the worship of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
Hannah Adams’ lyrics reflect going through trials, but also receiving help from God. Following are the first 3 verses from one of her submissions.
- O God this sinful heart of mine
- Is ever prone to go astray
- The powers of sin and darkness join
- To tempt and lead my soul from thee
- Sin doth my troubled soul oppress
- And doubts and darkness me surround
- Lord clothe me with thy righteousness
- O may thy grace to me abound
- Turn not my troubled soul away
- Bestow on me true heavenly light
- Bring me thy precepts to obey
- Of gospel grace give me a sight
From a Church News article featuring the “Joseph Smith Papers–Documents”.
Robin Scott Jensen, a Church historian, in speaking of the early hymnbooks notes:
“The hymnbook is this living, breathing book that we find in our worship service.”
Hymns were not just for Sacrament meeting; they were used at temple dedications; hymns were sung in Carthage Jail just before the martydom; pioneers sang hymns around campfires; Eliza R. Snow would write songs on pieces of paper and share them with the westward moving pioneers.
****************************************************************
MY CALLING
Primary Pianist
Primary Pianists, Thank You!
You play an important role in teaching the gospel as a support to the Primary Music Leader. As you work with your Music Leader, you will discover how best to help. This could be by playing the melody, playing simple chords, or not playing at all on occasion depending on the skills and preferences of the Leader. You and the leader could discuss how to best teach the songs and the gospel through music. See the Handbook 11.2.4.
Here are some ideas to consider:
- Practice the songs. Organize yourself. Pray about your calling.
- Try using chords (on top of each line of music) to simplify or enhance the music.
- Play an introduction an octave higher. Higher pitches can be easier for children to hear.
- Play softly if your piano sound board (back) faces the children. It is where all the sound comes out.
- Stand to play on occasion to see the children. Smile and wave to them.
- Make connections by reaching out to others and getting to know the children.
****************************************************************
WHAT’S NEW?
************************************************************************
Music Quotes
“He who sings prays twice’ is attributed to St. Augustine.
“Music is a bringer of life, of light, of healing. It can seem to give wings to our spirits…The uninhibited exercising of vocal cords brings oxygen to more than the lungs.” Stephen Hough
Quotes can be used in conjunction with your ward choir emails, personal study, and talks in church. Check out more music quotes.
****************************************************************
UP AND COMING
Join the Ukulele Choir for the Stake Music Festival August 14th. Practice with these two songs with YouTube tutorials then show up for a one time practice on Saturday August 7th at 10AM. #1 Somewhere Over the Rainbow, #2 I Am a Child of God
Join in Singing “You Will Be Found” from DEAR EVAN HANSEN for the upcoming music festival. Request of $3 per person to purchase music (keep your copy). Two practices before the festival: #1 Saturday, July 31st at 10am and #2 Friday August 13th, at 7pm. Please learn your parts before the rehearsals as these will be mostly blocking practices. Contact Lauryl Jensen or coalstakemusic@gmail.com before July 4th if you are interested in participating. Help available for music purchase if needed.
Calling Fiddlers and Violinists – play tunes as a group for a special surprise at the Stake Music Festival. Contact coalstakemusic@gmail.com for music.
Stake Music Festival “Carry On” Saturday August 14 6:00 PM . See information in ‘What’s New’ of this newsletter. All invited to sing this version of ‘Who’s On the Lord’s Side Who’ and ‘Carry On’ (first verse of Hymn #255)
Music Training for Wards – Ongoing all year. Contact Sister Ginger Dean or Sister Kay Bohn at coalstakemusic.com You can also text, or call to schedule.
Sunday September 19 6:30 PM. Stake Sacred Music Fireside “Our Grateful Song”. This will be an evening of favorite sacred hymns and songs. You are invited to participate. Reply to coalstakemusic@gmail.com to find out how.
Rise & Shine on YouTube – Enjoy music performed by Coal Mountain Georgia Stake members. Would you like to have your uplifting music recorded? We have a recording team that can help. Your performance could help light the world. It’s a good way to share with family and friends as well. Email coalstakemusic@gmail.com for more information.
Organ Workshop. Introduction to Organ and Beginner Sessions. Youth and children with piano skills welcome. 6 November. Time TBA.
Virtual Concerts – learn more Through Deseret Book . Fee for tickets.
*****************************************************************
HYMN HIGHLIGHT
Several hymns were written on the pioneer trail as the Saints sought a a place to live in peace and grow Zion. There were many unknowns and great sacrifices. They had no GPS, search engines, or instant communications as we do today.
“Come, Come, Ye Saints” was penned by William Clayton as sickness, storms, broken wagons, and weariness weighed on him. He was on the plains of Iowa without his wife because she stayed behind to have their first child. Read more.
“Hail to the 12 & Pioneers” is a hymn that was penned by Eliza R. Snow and sung to the tune “Yes, My Native Land I Love Thee” . While on the trail, Eliza’s company met Brigham Young’s group on their way to Winter Quarters and she wrote this hymn for their last meeting together before parting. The words gave hope to many other’s on the trail:
“We will onward to the valley, / Speed your way, make haste and come; / That, ere long with joy and gladness, / We may bid you welcome home.”
How do these hymns relate to us now? The following video gives reason.
1846-47
*****************************************************************
WATCH THIS
Newest ‘Rise and Shine’ video:
Coal Mountain Stake Music of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 