Lyrics:

1. What was witnessed in the heavens?
Why, an angel earthward bound.
Had he something with him bringing?
Yes, the gospel, joyful sound!
It was to be preached in power
On the earth, the angel said,
To all men, all tongues and nations
That upon its face are spread.

2. Had we not before the gospel?
Yes, it came of old to men.
Then what is this latter gospel?
‘Tis the first one come again.
This was preached by Paul and Peter
And by Jesus Christ, the Head.
This we latter Saints are preaching;
We their footsteps wish to tread.

3. Where so long has been the gospel?
Did it pass from earth away?
Yes, ’twas taken back to heaven
Till should dawn a brighter day.
What became of those departed,
Knowing not the gospel plan?
In the spirit world they’ll hear it;
God is just to ev’ry man.

Text: John S. Davis, 1813-1882
Music: Evan Stephens, 1854-1930

-History: (Source:Wikipedia)

Words By: John S. Davis (1813-1882)

Music By: Evan Stephens (1854-1930)

Evan Stephens was a Latter-day Saint composer and hymn writer. He was also the director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 26 years (1890–1916).

In the 1927 English LDS Hymnbook there were 84 hymns written by Evan Stephens.

His 19 works in the 1985 English language edition of the Latter-day Saint hymnal are:

• #11 “What Was Witnessed in the Heavens” (music),
• #17 “Awake, Ye Saints of God, Awake!” (music),
• #18 “The Voice of God Again is Heard” (words and music),
• #23 & #312 (Women) “We Ever Pray for Thee” (text and adaptation of music by H. A. Tuckett),
• #33 “Our Mountain Home So Dear” (music),
• #35 “For the Strength of the Hills” (music),
• #55 “Lo, the Mighty God Appearing!” (music),
• #61 “Raise Your Voices to the Lord'” (words and music),
• #74 “Praise Ye the Lord” (music),
• #91 “Father thy Children to Thee Now Raise” (words and music),
• #118 “Ye Simple Souls who Stray” (music),
• #120 “Lean on My Ample Arm” (music),
• #183 “In Remembrance of Thy Suffering” (words and music),
• #229 “Today, While the Sun Shines (music),
• #243 “Let Us All Press On” (words and music),
• #254 “True to the Faith” (words and music),
• #312 “We Ever Pray for Thee” (words and music),
• #330 “See The Mighty Angel Flying” (music), and
• #337 “O Home Beloved” (words).

He wrote several other LDS hymns that do not appear in the 1985 edition of the hymnal.

Included among his works is “Utah, We Love Thee” (also sometimes referred to as “Land of the Mountains High”) which became the official State Song of Utah in 1937. In 2003 it was designated the official State Hymn, and a new state song was named.

Under Evan Stephens’ direction the size of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir increased from 125 members to over 300.

Stephens was also the director of the choir who moved it into the field of performing concerts and not just for religious celebrations.

For part of the time that Stephens was director of the Tabernacle Choir he held the title of president with two counselors, in a system of leadership similar to that used in LDS Church wards and stakes.

Stephens was also the first man employed as full time choir director. This occurred in 1895. Prior to this the director of the choir had been viewed as a part time office, who although given a stipend for his service was expected to earn his main employ by other methods. At this time the leaders of the church decided to make the position of choir director full time and doubled Stephens salary.

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