A Tribute to Prof. Evan Stephens
By
Hannah Evans Deschamps
Possibly no figure in the musical works of America,
is more picturesque at the present time than the late Professor Evan Stephens.
Especially is this realized among the Latter Day Saints, for truly no other
writer or composer, could possibly have battled so fiercely with poverty and an
unhealthy body to self education. Without an instructor he conquered the
rudiments of music until he could manipulate fairly well the cabinet organ
which his older brother procured for him, thus creating in him a desire to read
music which soon grew into a yearning to compose music. From this humble
beginning the world today looks on with awe at his marvelous accomplishments.
Having organized and conducted one of the world's best
choirs of more than six hundred voices, two hundred and fifty who sang at the
Worlds Fair, gaining the distinction of winning second place.
Not only as a conductor was Prof. Stephens adept but was an
outstanding and prolific composer of words, as well as music. The contribution
he leaves to humanity consists of 88 hymns, six anthems, and many operas and
cantatas, and a numerous collection of quartets, trios, duets and vocal solos.
Stephens was never happier than when surrounded by young
boys and girls, and one of his noble characteristics was that he was able to
attract and hold the interest of his pupils. His cheerful and humorous
disposition had its drawing influence and the rich melodies
that he would bring forth from his choir of youngsters was inspirational
to say the least.
One of his compositions that has possibly been sung in every
community where Mormon people reside by many timid boys, probably in their
first appearance before the public, is "A Mormon Boy," this song alone has been
an inspiration to many boys and has appealed to them more than many prolonged
sermons from the pulpit, and has given them an incentive to live a more examplinary life. What greater stress could be lain on the teachings of the Word of Wisdom so dear to the
heart of our people, than is taught in the song written by him, "O if for me
the cup you fill, than fill it from the gushing rill." Many other hymns are
equally faith promoting.
As other great artists, Stephens found beauty in all things
God has created. This is beautifully illustrated in such songs as "My Mountain
Home So Dear," in "My Valley Home," "O bright Smiling Morning," or in the
anthem, "Let the Mountains Shout for Joy" besides numerous others. He inspired
people to patriotism and love of country through his compositions. The State of
Utah adopted as its state song
one of his compositions made famous in the hymn, "Utah We Love Thee." This was
written when Utah secured her
statehood and is today sung in schools, concerts, socials and many public
gatherings everywhere in the State.
No accomplishment in the realm of Mormondom
has done more to tear down prejudice and hatred toward the Latter Day Saints
than had Prof. Evan Stephens with his famous Tabernacle Choir, by their labors
at home and also in other cities where successful concerts have been held. Some
of the places to be favored by their presence were Chicago, St.
Louis, Kansas City, Omaha,
Denver and various cities in California
on two different occasions. During these extended sojourns his choir was
perfectly disciplined, yet he ruled and directed with love and kindness, and to
not receive a smile of recognition from their beloved leader, was an assurance
to them of his displeasure over some misconduct on their part, and they
hastened to make amends.
The greatest tribute to his noble worth was shown by the
members of his magnificent choir by their reluctance to release him after 26
years of active service as their director, but his advancing years were leaving
their deep furrows on his brow and he desired the seclusion of his peaceful
home where he wished most of all to spend the remainder of his life composing
music which will will on in the hearts of his
admirers while time shall last.
Professor Stephen's advice and counsel was appreciated by
all in musicland, in recent years since M.I.A.
musical contests have been held, his suggestions and instructions were eagerly
sought by contestants from various Stakes of Zion and all felt perfectly at
ease if he was chosen as an adjucator for his
decision was always first and constructive rather than destructive.
His home life was one of hospitality. He had no family of
his own, yet many young men have been sent successfully on their way by this
philanthropic man, using the wealth which he had accumulated through diligent
service. He used to benefit mankind by assisting those whom he called "his boys"
to an education where by they might help themselves.
In one of the sessions of the Annual Conference of October
1930, Prof. Evan Stephens made his appearance with the Tabernacle Choir which
he so dearly loved, at which time the anthem he composed so many years ago, "Song
of the Redeemed" was sung under his direction. Never was it sung better, his
voice sounding with the rest and which was plainly distinguished and recognized
by some of his old friends and admirers, hundred of miles away over the radio,
as well as in the great Tabernacle. After returning home he was seized with apoplexy
from which he succumbed some three weeks later, having filled his noble career
with dignity and honor, and leaving a magnificent musical contribution to be
inherited by all music loving people the world over. God bless his memory.
This sketch was written by Hannah Deschamps
and submitted in the contest conducted by the Improvement Era. A reply from
them stated that while it was not awarded first place, had a second prize been
offered, the above sketch would have received it.
