Hymnbook committee Fireside

 


My mom, aunt Cheryl and I went to the most wonderful musical fireside in January! 

The evening was filled with speakers from the 1985 Hymnbook Executive committee. Michael Moody, who wrote Christmas songs with my Grandma (Mabel Jones Gabbott) every year for 20 years was the committee chair. So it was also a little bit of reunion for us. 

Not only did we get to listen to them speak about their experiences on that committee, we were able to sing many of the hymns with their instruction and a tabernacle organist on the organ. It really was wonderful!

One particular part that was delightful to me was hearing how they changed the lyrics to some of the older hymns so that they would fit better with the doctrine and fit the rhythm of the music as well.

The following hymns are organized thus:
Previos words:
You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled.
Because people had too much fun saying "yoo-hoo"
Changed to:
Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled.
("How Firm a Foundation" #85)

There is no tomorrow but only today.
Changed to:
Prepare for tomorrow by working today.
("Today While the Sun Shines" #229)

Only he who does something is worthy to live.
Changed to:
Only he who does something helps others to live.
("Have I Done Any Good" #223)

Tradition flees before its power.
Changed to:
Faithless tradition flees its power.
("Sweet is the Peace" #14)

Bear patiently...
Changed to:
With patience bear...
("Be Still My Soul" #124)

Switched verses 2 and 3
("For All the Saints" #82)

There were also several hymns that never gained the traction the committee had hoped for. They called these the "high Hopes" hymns:

"I Saw a Mighty Angel" #15
"All Glory, Laud and Honor" #69
"Arise, O God and Shine" #265
"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" #41
"Father, Cheer Our Souls Tonight" #231

I love the hymns of the church and I love being the ward choir director, immersing myself in these beautiful hymns of worship!

Writing Grandma's song

When President Monson passed away, I decided to change the hymn the choir was singing for January to a song that would honor the prophet. Immediately my mind went to the song my Grandma Gabbott wrote with Michael Moody in 1994. 

"I Heard the Prophet Speak"

The words were based by the teachings of President Benson. Later, Jan Pinborough wrote new words based on the teachings of President Hinckley. It was published in the New Era in 1996 and sung at the General Young Women's meeting. (She's wrote new verses AND a new chorus)

Well, I knew I wanted to sing Grandma's song. But I also wanted to honor President Monson. So I decided to make an attempt at writing new verses and keep Grandma's chorus. 

I went for a hike up Y mountain in Provo. I hiked it twice in a row, the whole time praying for help in writing the new words. And they came. I sang them over and over, in my mind and outloud, and as soon as I got to the top the second time, I sat and typed the words into my phone. 

I was so pleased with how it all turned out. The choir sounded beautiful! I felt the Spirit and also the influence of my Grandma as I worked on this. It was a sweet experience for me to feel like I was collaborating with my grandma in a way. 

Grandma's lyrics:

1. I heard the prophet speak; come seek the Savior's light. 

Be patient, kind, and gentle, be Christ-like, do the right.

2. I heard the prophet speak; inviting us to live,

respecting one another, and willing to forgive.

3. I heard the prophet speak; His words were like a dart,

That pierced my unbelieving. I come with all my heart.

Chorus: Yes, I will follow the prophet, he speaks for the Lord today.

And I will follow him gladly. I will walk the Savior's way..