The Hymn Come, Come Ye Saints
A Brief History of When and Why this Hymn Was Written
The task of compiling a Mormon hymnal had been completed many years before the hymn that would become the signature Mormon anthem was written. The haunting strains of the hymn can often be heard in an LDS chapel on Sundays, and a rock version was featured in the independent Mormon-themed movie, Singles Ward.
William Clayton, who served as clerk for Joseph Smith, said that it was composed at the Locust Creek camp, but the exact Mormon encampment on Locust Creek is unknown. Possible locations for the Missouri Creek encampment could have been located in Missouri or it could have been located in Iowa.
The Composition of Come, Come Ye Saints
William Clayton was an early convert to the Restorationist movement. He served the church by doing clerical work for most of his membership, but he also wrote a variety of hymns. (His name would also be relevant when the forger Mark Hoffman claimed to have found letters written by him.) His role as a clerk is not remembered, but he is remembered for his contribution to the lexicon of Mormon hymns.
According to LDS Living Magazine, Clayton suffered from a desire to be reunited with his fourth wife, Diantha Farr before writing the hymn that would become on the most popular pieces of music for Mormons. The event the sparked the writing of the hymn was a letter he received of the birth of his son, although his wife reported that the child was sick. Many people believe that Brigham Young commissioned Clayton to write the hymn, but LDS Living Magazine states that there is no proof for this assertion.
All Is Well – The Chorus of Come, Come Ye Saints
The hymn that would become the Mormon anthem was set to the melody of the English folk song, All is Well. The people crossing the Mormon trail would sing it as a marching song and it continues to be one of the favorite pieces of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Over one hundred fifty years have passed since the Come, Come Ye Saints was written, and it shows no signs of losing its popularity.
The conditions of life on the Mormon trail might have made it difficult for Mormons to sing this hymn, although there seems to be little evidence to support this assertion of the author. Today, even non-Mormons can appreciate the music as well as the message, even if the lyrics of the original folk song that Clayton borrowed the tune from have been almost forgotten.
Sources:
Gospelink – Latter Day Saint History: Come, Come Ye Saints
“Come, Come Ye Saints. Heber J. Grant (Lesson 14.)” Paul E. Dahl. LDS Living Magazine
