DOCTRINES >> ETERNAL LIFE
SDAH 432
Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever
flowing by the throne of God?
This hymn appears in:
For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: Shall We Gather at the River
In the sweltering summer of 1864, as Robert Lowry watched grief-stricken mourners pass his Brooklyn window during a deadly epidemic, he pondered Revelation 22:1 and asked, “Shall we meet again at the river of life?” Out of that moment came this beloved gospel song, brimming with the hope of reunion and eternal joy in the presence of God—where the river flows clear as crystal from His throne.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
One very hot summer day in 1864 Robert Lowry (1826-1899; see Biographies) was sitting at the window of his study in Brooklyn, New York. At the time a fierce epidemic was raging, and his heart ached at seeing so many mourners in the streets who had laid their loved ones to rest. As he was meditating, this question came into his mind: “At the parting of the river of death, shall we meet again at the river of life?” He was doubtless reminded of the revelator’s description of the heavenly city: “He shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Rev. 22:1). Lowry went to his organ and spontaneously composed both words and music of this hymn.
It is recognized as “classic” gospel song, with dotted rhythms and repeated harmonies. American composer Aaron Copeland used the tune for his “At the for solo voice and piano, sung by many concert artists.
River”
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
Shall we gather at the river,
where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide forever
flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain
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.
2
On the margin of the river,
washing up its silver spray,
we will walk and worship ever,
all the happy golden day.
3
Ere we reach the shining river,
lay we every burden down;
grace our spirits will deliver,
and provide a robe and crown.
4
Soon we’ll reach the shining river,
soon our pilgrimage will cease;
soon our happy hearts will quiver
with the melody of peace.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Rev 22:1
Author
Robert Lowry (1826-1899)
Year Published
1864
Metrical Number
8.7.8.7.Ref.
Composer
Robert Lowry
Year Composed
1864
