Product Description
An original hymn with text by Kathryn Hales below.
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/w68JlvntMjc
I did not see the vision,
Nor dream a prophets dream,
I only saw the barren desert
Stretch forth upon the scene.
I was not there when Brighams cane
Touched the virgin ground
Naming the spot the Lord had shown
Where a temple would be found.
I did not hear the Lords own voice
As over ocean waves I tossed,
Nor spared the death of loved ones dear
As the vast plains I crossed.
I only felt the Holy Spirit
Telling me the work was true,
So I obeyed the prophetic words
Until my trek was through.
I helped dig the rocky soil
Before the foundation was laid
Then with shovel filled the gaping hole
Before Johnstons army stayed.
I did not see the temples spires
I only saw the walls,
I only shaped the granite stones
With hammer, chisel, maul.
I coaxed oxen through the mud
To move stones down a mountain side,
I watched our leaders grow old in years,
No temple finished before they died.
Now soon I too will join them
Though Ive labored oh so long,
Ill not see the rising spires
Or sing praises in Hosanna song.
Im just a common earthly man,
A laborer in a cause so great,
To generations yet unborn,
Im not one youll appreciate.
Through the years Ive toiled and sweat,
Shared blood and grief and tears,
Obeyed the prophets call to serve
Listened in faith, not fear.
Please do not take for granted
As you walk through these carved doors,
Or hear the echo of carpenters
From stairs or roof or floors
The love and work that went into
Many years of toil and prayer,
Feel our spirits in the halls
As you enter there.
Though the structures end Ill not see,
To others who this path may trod,
Go forth with diligence and faith
Till we finish the work of God.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.