Again We Meet around the Board
186

Text: Eliza R. Snow (1804–1887; LDS)
Music: George Careless (1839–1932; LDS)
Tune name: BETHLEHEM

After setting an appropriately reverent tone through meditation on the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, this beautiful hymn moves into a solemn prayer, asking that we may realize the full significance of the Savior’s gift, thereby making ourselves more worthy to partake of the sacrament. J. Spencer Cornwall notes that this hymn is “thoroughly Latter- day Saint in character” (Stories of Our Mormon Hymns, 249).

“Again We Meet around the Board” was one of the sacrament hymns marked for choir use in the 1950 hymnal. Although the key of the hymn has been lowered in the 1985 hymnal, the lovely four- measure soprano and alto duet— a more sophisticated feature than is usually found in a congregational hymn— has been retained. But this should not present a great difficulty for most congregations. With increased familiarity, most congregations should be able to find great uplift and enjoyment in this sacrament hymn.

Two verses of Eliza R. Snow’s hymn that were printed in the 1950 hymnal were omitted in the 1985 version. Here are the omitted verses, the fourth and fifth:

We’re his, who has the purchase made;
His life, his blood, the price he paid;
We’re his, to do his sacred will,
And his requirements all fulfill.

Jesus, the great fac- simile
Of the Eternal Deity,
Has stooped to conquer, died to save
From sin and sorrow and the grave.

The original sixth verse is printed in the 1985 hymnal as verse four.

Eliza R. Snow’s text was first printed in 1871 in both the Millennial Star and Sacred Hymns and Spiritual Songs, and tune and text were published together in the Utah Musical Times in 1878.