Session notes: anthem introduction, Second Day closing, and Third Day (Easter) opening

Elder B. H. Roberts

The title of the beautiful anthem that will now be sung by the B. Y. U. choir is "The Lord hath brought again Zion." Brother Arthur Shepherd's attention being called to the poetic character of this passage, he seized upon it, under a seeming spirit of inspiration, and wrote the music in which the words are set. When his composition was submitted to the music-publishing house in Boston, they asked him, by letter, where he found those beautiful passages of scripture. ¶

I may say that in this anthem there is a concentrated expression of the great and true principles and message of God in the great last and new dispensation. There are two parts, the first of which is rendered in a solo; the second part as the chorus. The first part is recitative in its nature, and comes at the close of a solemn declaration of the Lord to the effect that those who reject His servants reject Him. And now the words of the anthem: (See Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 84, verses 99 to 102). ¶

The choir then rendered, in splendid style, the anthem referred to, Prof. Charles R. Johnson singing the tenor solo parts. ¶

President Joseph F. Smith

I think it is generally understood, by the congregation, that the choir which has furnished us music today is the Brigham Young University Choir. Brother Anthon C. Lund is the leader. We feel to thank them for the most exquisite music they have furnished during the two sessions of this day; and we pray that the Lord will bless them henceforth and forever, in the good work that they are doing. ¶

Benediction was pronounced by Elder Joseph R. Shepherd. ¶

Conference adjourned until Sunday, April 7, 10 a.m. ¶

In the Tabernacle, Sunday, April 7, 10 a.m. The stand was decorated in white bunting interspersed with green leaves, with pots of Easter lilies added to the decoration. ¶

Conference was called to order by President Joseph F. Smith, who announced that an overflow meeting would convene that morning in the Assembly Hall for those who could not be accommodated in the overcrowded Tabernacle. ¶

The Tabernacle choir sang the anthem "Unfold Ye Portals, Everlasting." ¶

Prayer was offered by Elder Wm. H. Smart. ¶

An Easter anthem, "Christ Is Risen," words and music by Prof. Evan Stephens, was rendered by the choir; Sister Rose Smithen and Brother Carl Samuelson sang the solos and duets. ¶

President Joseph F. Smith remarked that "Christ Is Risen" was the latest production of Evan Stephens, and expressed the hope that it would by no means be his last. ¶