June 12, 2016 (Sunday)
Robert Lowry (1826-1899) was a professor, a pastor, and a music editor. He wrote almost 500 hymns. One afternoon in July 1864, as he was resting, he thought of Heaven. He saw the bright golden throne room and a multitude of saints gathered around the beautiful, cool, crystal, river of life. He was filled with a sense of great joy. He began to wonder why few hymns mentioned the river of life. As he envisioned Heaven, the words and music to “Shall We Gather at the River” came to him.
Robert Lowry 1864 Shall we gather at the river, Where bright angel feet have trod, With its crystal tide forever Flowing by the throne of God? Refrain: Yes, we’ll gather at the river, The beautiful, the beautiful river; Gather with the saints at the river That flows by the throne of God. On the margin of the river, Washing up its silver spray, We will talk and worship ever, All the happy golden day. Ere we reach the shining river, Lay we every burden down; Grace our spirits will deliver, And provide a robe and crown. At the smiling of the river, Mirror of the Savior’s face, Saints, whom death will never sever, Lift their songs of saving grace. Soon we’ll reach the silver river, Soon our pilgrimage will cease; Soon our happy hearts will quiver With the melody of peace. |
LISTEN (Joslin Grove Choral Society)