Shall We Gather At the River (Hymn)

Shall We Gather at the River is a timeless Christian hymn that speaks of the hope of eternal life, the promise of God’s gathering, and the joy of worship in His presence. Rooted in Revelation 22:1, this beloved song reminds believers of the river of life flowing from God’s throne, where burdens are lifted, and peace is fully realized.

VERSE 1
Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?

CHORUS
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.

VERSE 2
On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will walk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.

VERSE 3
Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.

VERSE 4
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

In July 1864, during a sweltering summer in Brooklyn, Reverend Robert Lowry, pastor of the Hanson Place Baptist Church, found himself deeply moved by the suffering around him.

An epidemic had gripped the city, leading to numerous deaths and widespread despair. Amid this turmoil, Lowry sought solace in the Scriptures, particularly Revelation 22:1, which speaks of “the river of the water of life.” This vision of a heavenly river inspired him to compose the hymn “Shall We Gather at the River.”

He later recounted that the words and melody came to him almost spontaneously as he sat at his organ, providing comfort and hope to his congregation during those trying times. [1]

Originally titled “Hanson Place,” after his church, the hymn was first published in the 1865 collection “Happy Voices.” Its enduring message of hope and unity has since resonated with countless individuals, offering solace in times of sorrow and a reminder of the eternal gathering promised to believers.[2]