"What's Is This Thing Called Death," Mormon Tabernacle Choir

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Hymn: "What's Is This Thing Called Death," Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Story Behind Hymn That Was Sung At President Hinckley's Funeral: from Janice Kapp Perry

During President Hinckley's funeral the Tabernacle Choir sang a hymn text written by President Hinckley which I set to music in December. I would like to share the story of it with you: Janice Kapp PerryAbout two months before my niece Kathy Blacker died, on January 11, 2008, she found a three-verse poem by President Hinckley among her files. Although she was resigned to dying, she had some fears about the dying process and his words greatly comforted her—especially the second verse which descibed exactly what she was feeling. She wrote to Pres. Hinckley's office to ask permission to have the poem printed on her funeral program, and she received a very nice letter from his secretary Don H. Staheli saying that President Hinckley gave his permission for her to do so. The letter also conveyed some very comforting words from Pres. Hinckley which were helpful to helpful to Kathy in her final weeks, and he said he would remember Kathy in his prayers.Then Kathy suggested that I write and ask permission to give the poem a hymn setting. I did so, and Brother Staheli conveyed President Hinckley's permission for me to write the hymn. After offering some heartfelt prayers that I might be able to write appropriate music for his profoundly beautiful and moving text, I wrote the hymn setting and sent a copy to President Hinckley's office for approval at the end of December. I received so immediate response.Kathy passed away January 11 and after her funeral I sent a copy of her funeral program to President Hinckley's office so he could see how nicely his poem was displayed along side my brother Gary Kapp's painting of Christ.When I heard President Hinckley had passed away last Sunday night I was feeling a little sad to think I hadn't received a letter with his official approval. But the very next day after his passing, the hoped-for letter arrived with his approval, his permission for me to publish it in a future volume of my series Inspirational New Hymns for Choir and Home, and leaving it to my discretion as to whether to submit it to the Church Music Division. The timing was so unusual and I was extremely grateful to receive the letter as a tender mercy in my life.Then on Monday afternoon Craig Jessop, Tabernacle Choir Director, heard about the hymn and had his office call me to obtain a copy of the hymn for consideration for President Hinckley's funeral. On Tuesday, while travelling in California, I learned that the hymn would be performed by The Tabernacle Choir at President Hinckley's funeral on Saturday.Having seen the great comfort this hymn brought to my niece who died just two weeks before President Hinckley passed away, my great desire is for people throughout the world to have a free copy of these magnificent words of President Hinckley to comfort them in times of the loss of loved ones. This is just one more way his influence could be felt down through time.

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[moonbeaches]

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[Braunepaul]

After the Last session of April Conference 6 April 2008. There was a show on KSL in which Janice Kapp Perry explained how the song came to be. She had a dying relative who was comforted by a Poem Pres. Hinckley had written 20 years ago. Janice wrote him and got permission to write Music to accompany his Poem. She wrote the music and summit it to him for his approval. She received his approval in the Mail the day after his Death. First public performance was this one, at his own Funeral.

[moonbeaches]

Click '' MORE INFO'' in my link Thanks!

Sweet!!!!

Our beloved Prophet is with his mom he lost early in his life, and his sweet wife.

[mommydew2]

Just so we are clear, Janice Kapp Perry wrote the music not the words. The words are a poem President Hinckley wrote.

[PhenoxRyzing]

............ I am doing very well, in regards to my health.... a simply surgical procedure removed the problem, no need for radiation or anything else.... though I may never have children of my own. That scripture I quoted below... Exodus 14:14... the Lord will fightr for you, and you will hold your peace... continues to bring me peace as I struggle with day to day issues, as all of us do. I believe most firmly in the plan of Salvation, in the atonement of our Savior, and in enduring to the end.

[kathyk243]

@PhenoxRyzing I hope you are doing well.I think everyone would be happy if you were to give us a post on your progress and treatment. Can you tell me what verse of Scripture the verse that you printed is from? I find it very comforting. Be well. Wishing a blessed Easter to everyone. "The Lord will fight for you, and you will hold your peace." kk

[retiretoheber]

I just feel for those suffering and the sacrifice loved ones make to comfort the dying. There is a bond Created through care That goes far beyond What in life we share We are not left alone To serve, bathe, and feed For our loved one is known By the angels indeed The comfort of angels Awaits and tends our dead As life and death dangles On a very thin thread Through a fatal disease Angels come and attend Helping pain ease Death IS NOT the end blessings to you Kathy

[kathyk243]

@retiretoheber What a beautiful poem. Thank you for posting it. My husband DID die from a very untreatable form of leukemia in only 17 days. As a nurse, it was the most horrible death I have ever watched in 33 years of nursing--- not to be able to save my own spouse. I am so happy that your cancer is treatable, and I hope you are doing well. Are you a Jesuit, by chance? If so, your thinking is on the right track! I loved all the Jesuit chaplains where I worked. Blessings. kathyk243@gmail.com

[RegalX12]

@PhenoxRyzing Did you happen to hear Brent L. Top's talk on death? It is amazing. The talk is titled, "What is this thing Man calls death?"

[PhenoxRyzing]

I've posted regarding this song before.... but I post again.... recently I was diagnosed with a form of cancer that's very treatable, but I let fear take over my mind for a time. My bishop reminded me the plan of salvation is REAL, My God and Savior are REAL, and even if this cancer took my life (which is unlikely, due to modern science.. and a LOT of priesthood blessings...) I have nothing to fear if I die.

I am not afraid...

"The Lord will fight for you, and you will hold your peace."

[retiretoheber]

We search to be taught from those who are dying

To feel their pain and breathe with them their last sighing

The love that's shared goes beyond this mortal life

And sweetens grief by deepening the soul unto Jesus Christ

Tenderly assuring us our loved one has been called back

Providing comfort when alone strength we lack

A turning of hearts unto bigger and greater things

Thus, preparing us for what e'er this life brings

[prettybabe55]

Thanks for your descriptions and stuff.

[PhenoxRyzing]

"death" from this life, is simply a passing to the next..... whomever you grieve for, is now in a better place, better and more Godly than this earth.......

As Mormons, or members of the LDS faith, we believe that death is simply part of the progression of life. We lived as spirits before we came here, we live here as mortals, and when we die, we again become spirits until we learn all we must to attain Godhood.

I don't know you, or your background, but I hope you find comfort in my words.