Shall We Gather at the River
Hymn composed by
Robert LowryContextual information
A traditional American hymn, and both music and text are attributed to Robert Lowry (1826–1899), a Baptist preacher of some brilliance. In 1864, while Lowry was pastor of Hanson Place Baptist Church in Brooklyn, he wrote this hymn during a disastrous epidemic in New York City. The river to which the hymn alludes is the “river of life” described in the final chapter of the Book of Revelation. Lowry is also acknowledged as the source of the popular hymn How Can I Keep from Singing, #108 in Singing the Living Tradition.
A traditional American hymn, and both music and text are attributed to Robert Lowry (1826–1899), a Baptist preacher of some brilliance. In 1864, while Lowry was pastor of Hanson Place Baptist Church in Brooklyn, he wrote this hymn during a disastrous epidemic in New York City. The river to which the hymn alludes is the “river of life” described in the final chapter of the Book of Revelation. Lowry is also acknowledged as the source of the popular hymn How Can I Keep from Singing, #108 in Singing the Living Tradition.
Tune Name
HANSON PLACE
Tune Name
Text Meter
8.7.8.7.
10.9.10.9
Song Composer
Robert LowryHymn Arranger
Composer Background information
Lyricist Background information
Arranger Background information
Lyrics
Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God?
(Chorus)
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 walk and worship ever, all the happy golden day.
(Chorus)
Ere we reach the shining river, lay we ev’ry burden down.
Grace our spirits will deliver, and provide a robe and a crown.
(Chorus)
Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease,
soon our happy hearts will quiver, with the melody of peace.
(Chorus)
Resources
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Slides
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