One of the highlights of my life was the opportunity to visit Nauvoo and participate in The City of Joseph Pageant. My family and I were members of the pageant for ten years, and the events we experienced on an annual basis will always be a treasure to me. Not only did we walk where those early saints walked, but we sang their songs, read their stories, and portrayed their lives. As a result, the foundation of my testimony will always be deeply rooted in the Restoration.
One of our pageant’s great traditions was a nightly devotional where we sang the Hymns of the Restoration. Each night before our performance, all 600+ City of Joseph cast members would gather together—dressed as pioneers—in the Nauvoo Chapel and sing these wonderful songs. It was like nothing I had (or have since) experienced. When we sang, the halls of the chapel bellowed with faith, with devotion, and with belief. We didn’t sing for each other. Instead, we sang for our Savior and Redeemer and for those wonderful prophets and saints of the Restoration who sacrificed everything in order that we could return to Nauvoo and remember the great blessings of the Lord.
It was in these meetings, as I sang my heart out with my faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, that I realized the meaning behind these wonderful hymns. Tears poured down my cheeks as we sang the words:
But if our lives are spared again,I felt the Spirit of God burn within me as we stood, sang, and shouted:
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we'll make this chorus swell—
All is well! All is well!
How blessed the day when the lamb and the lionI felt a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for Joseph Smith when we sang:
Shall lie down together without any ire,
And Ephraim be crowned with his blessing in Zion,
As Jesus descends with his chariot of fire!
Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;These memories continue to touch my heart—particularly at this time of year. Pioneer Day is a special day when we remember all of the pioneer’s sacrifices for the establishment of God's Kingdom in these latter days. It is in this spirit that we share the following hymns with you, as well as some information pertaining to them. We encourage you to study the lyrics, read their associated scriptures, and learn of their history. We promise that when you do, your hearts will be full, and your lives with be touched with deeper gratitude for those who have gone before.
Earth must atone for the blood of that man.
Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.
Millions shall know “Brother Joseph” again.
