Impact Hymns

   At the Saturday night session of the Palmyra New York Stake conference we sang “The Spirit of God.” Once again I had trouble controlling my emotions enough to continue singing. That happens a lot with that hymn. It is usually sung at special occasions. Written by W. W. Phelps for the Kirtland Temple Dedication, it is sung at every temple dedication since (202 temples so far). And it’s sung at other special times also.

   Around 1980 we sang it at the Lexington Kentucky Stake conference general session. That session was special in that President Moody, the stake president, was released. He had the confidence in me to call me to serve as bishop at such a young age. He mentored me, encouraged me, and corrected me so often. I always think of him when we sing that hymn.

   In 1985 we sang it at the Chicago Illinois Temple dedication. We had Willie with us. Then I returned to Chicago the next day and ushered at two or three more sessions, singing the hymn at each session.

   We sang it again at the St. Louis Missouri Temple dedication in 1997.

   We also sang it at the Nauvoo Illinois Temple dedication in 2002. We were able to sit in the assembly room at the broadcast session with the First Presidency and most of the Apostles on the stand in front of us, and the Tabernacle Choir behind us.

   The next temple dedication was in 2003, the Winter Quarters Nebraska Temple. Kathy and I served as ushers at the first session. That one was also broadcast to stake centers around the world. I was assigned to preside at the second session overflow held in the Papillion Stake center. Sitting on the stand, singing that hymn with 1500 members was very powerful. I then led them in the Hosannah Shout. Seeing all of those white handkerchiefs waving in praise to the Lord was very, very moving.

   Other impact hymns include singing “Praise to the Man” at the Nauvoo Temple dedication, singing “How Great Thou Art” at any meeting. That was Dad’s favorite hymn, and was played on the harmonica at his funeral by his friend from church.

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