A
silversmith works with silver. A locksmith installs locks. A wordsmith has a way
with words. Therefore, a "hymnsmith" is an expert with
hymns. These descendants of Emma and Joseph Smith, Jr.,
have excellent claims to that designation:
David Hyrum Smith,
son
Frederick Madison
Smith, grandson
Israel Alexander
Smith, grandson
Vida Elizabeth Smith, granddaughter
Vida Elizabeth Smith, granddaughter
Mary Audentia Smith
Anderson, granddaughter
Elbert Aoriul Smith,
grandson
Alice Smith Edwards,
great-granddaughter
This hymn collection
is representative of their contributions to the sacred music
loved by Reorganized Latter Day Saints.
Emma Smith was
instructed by revelation "to make a selection of sacred hymns ...to
be had in my church; for my soul delighteth in the
song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto
me" (given July, 1830). Her selection of hymns was printed by
the Church in 1835.
There is no record that either Emma or
Joseph Smith actually wrote any hymns, but their posterity
certainly did. They are qualified to be called HymnSmiths.
44 Pages $3.50
44 Pages $3.50