The Mormon Pioneers

By Gladys Quayle

(Sunderland [England] Branch)

Once more the clarion call goes forth
And those who hear obey,
The voice of God’s own Priesthood
In this glorious latter day;
For we are called to celebrate
With joy – and maybe tears –
The entry into Salt Lake of
The Mormon Pioneers.

A gallant band of people
Who were driven from Nauvoo,
And crossed the frozen river
With their feet oft frozen too;
They trekked across a continent
But had no doubts or fears,
They trusted God implicitly –
Those Mormon Pioneers.

Led by a Prophet of the Lord
Unto the Great Salt Lake –
They viewed the barren desert
With the sage brush in its wake;
’Twas here they’d find the freedom
Promised by their Prophet dear,
With grateful hearts they humbly prayed
Each Mormon Pioneer.

A mighty task awaited them
But they did not despair;
They made the desert flourish thro’
Their faith, work, and prayer;
They built a Temple to the Lord
Away from taunts and jeers
And commenced an ideal commonwealth
Those Mormon Pioneers.

Their task is now accomplished
Zion blossoms as the rose,
In the midst of Rocky Mountains
Where the Sego Lily grows;
And as we meet to celebrate
One hundred glorious years
Let’s remember all we owe to them –
The Mormon Pioneers.

(1947)