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Shall We Gather at the River | Robert Lowry | Video 1 of 5 from the SCMC Mass Choir

106,655 views • Feb 18, 2026

Description

"Shall We Gather at the River " composed by Robert Lowry. Sung at the 18th Annual Choral Festival 2025 of Shenandoah Christian Music Camp (VA). Conducted by Jeff Swanson. https://www.musiccamp.info/
The Historic Faith · Hymn Companion

Shall We Gather at the River

Words by Robert LowryMusic by Robert LowryWritten Tune HANSON PLACE

Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?

Yes, we'll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.

On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will walk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.

Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.

At the smiling of the river,
Mirror of the Savior's face,
Saints, whom death will never sever,
Lift their songs of saving grace.

Soon we'll reach the shining river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.

Story Behind the Song

Robert Lowry wrote both words and music for this gospel hymn in 1864 while serving as pastor of Hanson Place Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. The tune name HANSON PLACE reflects that pastorate. The text draws its central image from Revelation's river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God, and it became one of the best-known American gospel songs of the nineteenth century.

Scripture

Found In

The United Methodist Hymnal, Baptist Hymnal, The Celebration Hymnal, Trinity Hymnal