The Wintry Day, Descending to Its Close
37

Text: Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931; LDS)
Music: Edward P. Kimball (1882–1937; LDS)
Tune name: ALEX

Why would a song of nostalgia and homesickness, penned by a man leaning on his windowsill, come to be so important in Latter- day Saint hymnody? The answer seems to be that for us, a poem of thankfulness for the peace and blessings of Deseret (home of the Utah pioneers) qualifies as a hymn, and “The Wintry Day, Descending to Its Close” is a great favorite with many Latter- day Saints.

Elder Boyd K. Packer referred to Orson F. Whitney as “a gifted and inspired poet whose work is virtually unknown in the Church” (Ensign, August 1976, 64). His contributions to our hymnal include this hymn and “Savior, Redeemer of My Soul” (no. 112). “The Wintry Day,” originally a poem titled “A Voice from an Absent One,” was first printed in the Latter-day Saints’ Southern Star in 1899.

When we love something deeply— for instance, the landscape and the heritage of our home— distance can often lend greater idealism and enchantment to the scene than if we were actually present. First, the poet must set the scene that has moved him to such deep and sentimental thought: in some unknown place, far from home, an early winter darkness is settling over the snowy earth. Not until the beginning of verse three is the hymn’s true subject introduced: the beauty and blessedness of Deseret, twice as dear because the poet is longing for those familiar comforts as his imagination reaches back through time and distance on this beautiful but lonely winter night.

The ingratiating musical setting by Edward P. Kimball no doubt accounts for much of this hymn’s appeal. It was part of the choir section of the 1950 hymnal, but congregations will enjoy singing it, especially since the change to a 2/2 time signature makes it easier to read and the performance markings indicating changes in tempo have been removed. Textual editing in verse three changed the “savage” Indian band to a “fearless” one.

The tune name, ALEX, honors organist and composer Alexander Schreiner.