Remembering History: In July 1830 Joseph Smith dictated a revelation for his wife Emma. Among other counsel, she was instructed to “make a selection of Sacred Hymns as it shall be given thee which is pleasing unto me to be had in my Church.” This revelation gave divine approval to the inclusion of music in church meetings. Most early converts came from religious traditions that included hymn singing, and records indicate this practice was continued in the new church even before the publication of a hymnal.

In July 1830 Joseph Smith dictated a revelation for his wife Emma. Among other counsel, she was instructed to “make a selection of Sacred Hymns as it shall be given thee which is pleasing unto me to be had in my Church.” This revelation gave divine approval to the inclusion of music in church meetings. Most early converts came from religious traditions that included hymn singing, and records indicate this practice was continued in the new church even before the publication of a hymnal.

In July 1830 Joseph Smith dictated a revelation for his wife Emma. Among other counsel, she was instructed to “make a selection of Sacred Hymns as it shall be given thee which is pleasing unto me to be had in my Church.” This revelation gave divine approval to the inclusion of music in church meetings. Most early converts came from religious traditions that included hymn singing, and records indicate this practice was continued in the new church even before the publication of a hymnal.