By Jane M. Gardner, presiding evangelist, and
Richard Clothier, Lamoni, Iowa, USA
In recent memory, during the opening weekend of the World Conferences, the hymn, “Redeemer of Israel,” has been sung with fervor and enthusiasm. We turn to Richard Clothier, a leading author on the Restoration heritage of hymns, for some historical notes.
When we sing “Redeemer of Israel” at World Conference, we will be singing one of the best-loved hymns of the church. But did you know that it was also one of the earliest hymns ever published by the infant organization? In fact, it appeared nearly four years before Emma Smith’s first hymnal came off the press in Kirtland. It is an interesting story.
When we sing 'Redeemer of Israel' at World Conference, we will be singing one of the best-loved hymns of the church.
An early convert who had had some experience in journalism, William Wines Phelps was recruited to travel to Independence and set up a printing press in the newly designated place for Zion. One of the tasks Phelps was asked to undertake was to “correct” the hymns Emma had been selecting, obviously meant to alter the texts as needed to fit with current beliefs of the church. Phelps proved himself to be good at this, and in fact, out of Emma’s final product, nearly half of the 90 hymns were either written or adapted by Phelps.
Once he was in Independence, Phelps set up a print shop on South Liberty Street and began publishing a periodical called The Evening and the Morning Star. In addition to articles of current interests to the church, the back page of each issue contained several hymn texts. The very first issue, in June of 1832, included an extensive revision of a text by Joseph Swain, published in England in 1791. Swain's original text began,
“O thou in whose presence my soul takes delight,
On whom in affliction I call,
My comfort by day and my song in the night,
My hope, my salvation, my all.”
In Phelps’s hands, a robust new hymn emerged, beginning with the words, “Redeemer of Israel, our only delight, on whom for a blessing we call.” It likened the trials of the early Saints to the tribulation of the children of Israel, and affirmed that “the kingdom is ours, and the hour of redemption is near”! More tribulation was in store for the faithful, however, and on July 20, 1833, a violent mob destroyed Phelps’s press and scattered the type in the street, effectively ending this particular chapter of the work in Independence.
Although music was not included in our hymnals until 1889, the tune known as “Davis” has always been used with this text. [For] one of our most beloved hymns, Roy Cheville has called “Redeemer of Israel,” “the song of the Saints.”
In Phelps’s hands, a robust new hymn emerged, beginning with the words, 'Redeemer of Israel, our only delight, on whom for a blessing we call.'
We are grateful to Richard Clothier for this hymn story. We continue to resonate with the message of the text and the energy of the tune. To make it more accessible, the text has been translated into Spanish and French, serving in the core repertoire of Community of Christ Sings. The Spanish translation was provided by Vernon L. Peterson, and the French translation was by Winifred Sarre—Community of Christ ministers who gifted the church with many translations.
It is amazing to think that our reflection on a hymn in each issue of the current Herald, continues a tradition that began in 1832. As we gather in 2025, let us join with Restoration voices throughout the years: “…our King, our Companion, our All.”