#31 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past"

This classic hymn was included in the first LDS hymnbook in 1835. I like the message and the simple tune.

#30 "Come, Come, Ye Saints"

What's not to love about this hymn?! I've loved this hymn since I was a child. I especially like the story of how William Clayton wrote the words. My best memories are of singing this song with an arrangement by Fredrick Davis, director of the Southern California Mormon Choir. When I sang with the choir from 1975-1977, he was the director, and we sang his arrangement at many concerts. I love this hymn!

#29 "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief"

I've always loved this hymn ever since I heard the story of John Taylor singing it just before the martyrdom of Joseph Smith at Carthage Jail. Brother Taylor sang all seven verses and then the Prophet asked him to sing it again, which he did. Shortly after, the mob attacked and killed the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum Smith.
I have a couple of memories of this song. Once, when I was the music director of the Baldy Mesa Branch (1986-1989) one of the young Aaronic priesthood boys had forgotten to bring the bread for the sacrament. The branch president turned to me right before sacrament meeting was to begin and said, "We need to change the opening hymn to #29, 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief', and I need you to have the congregation sing all seven verses." So, we did--in order that someone could find someone to borrow some bread from in the other ward that met in the Hesperia Building with us. It's not often that all seven verses are sung with the congregation, even though it tells a full story when they are.
A second memory of singing this song is when we sang it with the Hesperia Stake Choir, and the director had us sing the tune of "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" with the words to #136 "I Know that My Redeemer Lives". It was very effective because you focus on the message of the hymn more when the tune is different. I really enjoyed how the text and tune went together that time.

#28 "Saints, Behold How Great Jehovah"

This is a new hymn to the 1985 hymnbook, and it doesn't seem to be sung much. I like it, however!

#27 "Praise to the Man"

This is yet another one of my favorite hymns. This past year (2011) the Primary Children used this hymn in the annual "Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation" and it was a big hit with them as well. I like that when there is time to choose favorite songs during the Primary singing time, children will choose this hymn.

#26 "Joseph Smith's First Prayer"

I have always liked this hymn, but I grew to love it when I sang with the Southern California Mormon Choir from 1975-77 under the direction of Frederick Davis. He had arranged this hymn for the choir and was a favorite of mine. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

#25 "Now We'll Sing with One Accord"

This hymn was included in the first hymnbook, but it doesn't seem to be sung very much. I like the accidentals that give the tune its unique character.