Though Deepening Trials

Text: Eliza R. Snow, 1804–1887

Music: George Careless, 1839–1932

Well, after a nice long break, the La Cueva Ward choir has resumed rehearsals.  We'll sing on February 12th, "Though Deepening Trials," to accompany the speakers' topic, "Adversity."  We're just doing the Hymplicity arrangement, but omitting the 4th verse because it's just a little too long.

To be honest, this isn't my most favorite hymn--there are other hymns I like better to go with this topic, but I was looking for something we could put together quickly since we'll only have 2 rehearsals to prepare it, and we're working on other things as well.  It's nice, but not my favorite.

But often, when I learn about a hymn, and the people who wrote it, I learn to love the hymn.  So here's a little bit about Eliza R. Snow, and George Careless, who were both pretty remarkable pioneers!

          

Eliza R. Snow

• Born- 1804 in Becket, Massachusetts
• Her brother, Lorenzo would serve as the 5th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
• A talented writer from an early age.
• At just 22 years old, she was requested by several newspapers to write a funeral mass for former Presidents John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, (both of whom died on July 4, 1826).
• Joined the church in 1835, and shortly thereafter moved to Kirtland, Ohio with the Saints.
• Wrote many poems that have been set to music including "O My Father," "How Great the Wisdom and the Love," "In Our Lovely Deseret," and of course, "Though Deepening Trials."
• Served in the church as secretary of the RS under Emma Smith as president, helped organize the first Primary, and served as General RS president for 21 years until shortly before her death.
• a cool quote from Eliza, “There are many of the sisters whose labors are not known beyond their own dwellings, and perhaps not appreciated there. But what difference does that make? If your labors are acceptable to God, however simple the duties, if faithfully performed, you should never be discouraged.” 

George Careless

• Born 1839 in London
• Joined the church when he was 11 years old
• George loved music from an early age.  He had a beautiful clear soprano voice as a boy and also learned to play the violin.
• His father thought his music was a waste of time, and while others recognized & encouraged his talent, his father told him to either give it up or leave the family.  So George left home when he was 13.
• Because of the kindness of a friend, he was able to attend the Royal Academy of Music.  He finished in 3 years instead of 4, and paid his friend back with his first earnings.
• Served the church by improving the musical activities of the church in England.  
• At Elder William C. Staines encouragement, he came to America in 1864, sacrificing a promising musical career in London.  On his ship, the Hudson, he led a choir composed of other Saints who were also immigrating to Utah.
• Was called by Brigham Young to "take the Tabernacle Choir . . .  and lay a foundation for good music in Utah."
• At the first rehearsal, the Tabernacle was still under construction, had no heating or lighting, and choir members held a candle in one  hand, and their music in the other.
• George resigned his post as the director of the Tabernacle Choir after serving 11 years
• Some of the hymns he composed music for are, "The Morning Breaks," "Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire," "O Thou Kind and Gracious Father," "He Died the Great Redeemer Died," and of course, "Though Deepening Trials." 

Though Deepening Trials

Though deepening trials throng your way,

Press on, press on, ye Saints of God!

Ere long the resurrection day

Will spread its life and truth abroad.

Though outward ills await us here, 

The time, at longest, is not long,

Ere Jesus Christ will reappear 

Surrounded by a glorious throng. 

Lift up your hearts in praise to God, 

Let your rejoicings never cease.

Though tribulations rage abroad

Christ says, "In me, ye shall have peace."