More Than One Hymnal: Emma Smith's Two Sacred Music Collections

When people hear the name Emma Smith, many are surprised to learn that she was responsible for not one, but two early hymn collections.

The first, published in 1835, contained 90 hymn texts. It was the official hymnbook prepared for the early Latter Day Saint movement

after Emma was asked to make a selection of sacred hymns. Although small enough to fit in a pocket, it became an important tool for worship and teaching.

Just six years later, Emma oversaw the publication of a second collection in 1841. This expanded hymnal contained 304 hymns, reflecting the remarkable growth of the Church and the increasing need for sacred music in congregational worship.

One detail often surprises modern readers: neither hymnal included musical notation. The books contained only the hymn texts. Congregations sang them to familiar tunes already known to the Saints, a common practice in the nineteenth century.

Together, these two hymnals provide a remarkable glimpse into the faith, worship, and hopes of early believers. They contain familiar hymns, forgotten treasures, and texts that remind us how important congregational singing was in building a community centered on Christ.

Our current restoration project seeks to preserve both collections, carefully preparing them with modern music engraving while remaining faithful to the original hymn texts.

As each page is completed, we are reminded that sacred music has always been about far more than beautiful melodies. Hymns preserve doctrine, strengthen testimony, comfort the weary, and unite believers in praise.

Emma Smith understood that nearly two hundred years ago.

We hope a new generation will discover these remarkable collections once again.

"Sing unto Him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise." — Psalm 33:3

Until next time... keep singing.