Beautiful Zion, Built Above
44

Text: George Gill (1820–1880)
Music: Joseph G. Fones (1828–1906; LDS)
Tune name: BARROW

In most of the “Zion” hymns in our book, the word Zion denotes an earthly city of righteous inhabitants working together to perfect themselves for the Savior’s coming as they send forth the word of truth. This hymn describes a different Zion, a heavenly city of white- clad angels and celestial song.

The author of these words was not a Latter- day Saint. J. Spencer Cornwall informed us, “This familiar hymn was written by an Englishman, George Gill, . . . while he was laboring as a missionary on the island of Mangaia, Cook Islands” (Stories of Our Mormon Hymns, 92). The vision of a heavenly reward was no doubt a sustaining thought for George Gill as he faced the hardships of missionary labors.

Joseph G. Fones, the composer, was a Latter- day Saint. The tune name, BARROW, can be accounted for by some information given by J. Spencer Cornwall: “Elder Fones was a self- taught musician. Soon after his conversion he organized a choir at Barrow in Furness, England. When they sang they drew large crowds” (Stories of Our Mormon Hymns, 92).

The Deseret Sunday School Union Music Book first published the tune, BARROW, as an accompaniment to these words, which had first been published in 1864.