Beautiful River

Description

Shall We Gather at the River is a traditional Christian hymn, written by American pastor and gospel music composer Robert Lowry (1826-1899).

One hot afternoon in July 1864, as Pastor Lowry was resting on his sofa, visions of heaven pervaded his senses. 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 there seemed to be many hymns that referenced the river of death, but very few that mentioned the river of life. As he mused, the words and music to this hymn came to his heart and mind.

Shall We Gather at the River has become a favorite song of Southern camp meetings, water baptismal services and funerals.

This particular arrangement was a gift from Professor Chambers (Texas Lutheran University) to the family Of Professor Linda Clark (1943-2009). The arrangement was performed at a TLU concert in celebration of Linda’s Life.

Published by: RBC Publications