The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hymns
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Singing hymns are an important part of worship in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
According to the Doctrine and Covenants, a few months after the church was organized, God, through Joseph Smith, instructed his wife Emma Smith to compile a book of sacred hymns to be used in the church. (Doctrine and Coventants section 25)
There are many hymns used by members of the church, and there have been multiple hymn books printed.
Many of the hymns are well known traditional christian hymns; others deal with items of doctrine unique to the doctrine of the church such as the preexistence, the Latter-day prophets, and the Book of Mormon; others draw their subject matter from the history of the church, including themes such as the restoration and the pioneer experience. Some of the unique Latter-day Saint hymns such as "Come, Come Ye Saints" are gaining popularity in the repotoires of other Chrisitan choirs.
In 1985, the church issued a new hymn book entitled Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Some new hymns were placed in this book, which had not been used by the worldwide church up until this time, including contemporary favorites such as "Called to Serve" and well as familiar songs that have been used in the primary such as "I Am A Child of God", "Teach Me To Walk In The Light" and "Families Can Be Together Forever".
Others were left out of the book. The church did not give particular reasons for leaving out any particular hymn, just sayng that the spirit was followed in the selection and there were too many hymns to be included into one book. For example, one of the hymsn was about the mountain home of Utah, which perphaps would not be appealing to a worldwide church audience. Others such as "Give Me Back My Prophet Dear" were sorely missed by many members.
The primary has its owns songs, which are gaining popularity with adults as well.
Some songs which are occasionally sung by choirs, although not included in the hymn book (though usually not by the whole congregation in a meeting) include "O Divine Redeemer", the Christmas carol "O Holy Night" and "Faith in Every Footstep" a song specifically written for the 150th anniversary of the Mormon Pioneer journey, and came about after the hymn book was published.
Congregations also sing patriotic hymns of their respective countries, as they may or may not be included in the language specific edition of the hymn book.
