The fifth hymn in our current Latter-Day Saint hymnal is “High on a Mountain Top,” a stirring song which cheers the soul and uplifts the mood. Also a popular choice of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to perform in General Conference, it’s more up-tempo than most of our hymns, although still dignified. This hymn is sometimes used as a “stand up and stretch your legs” song in longer meetings like Stake Conference and General Conference.
The hymn was written by Joel H. Johnson with the music by Ebenezer Beesley, and is based on the scripture in Isaiah 2:2-3 which prophecies that in the latter days, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be exalted, established in the tops of the mountains, and that people from nations around about will stream unto it.
Joel H. Johnson was heavily persecuted by the mob because of his religious beliefs, as were many at that time. Despite the trials he endured and the countless times he was forced to relocate because of the persecution, he remained true to the gospel and penned over one thousand hymns glorifying God and proclaiming the truthfulness of the gospel as restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Indeed, “High on a Mountain Top” is a triumphant song, urging the nations to look up and behold the banner that has been planted and is now beckoning to all to come and serve the Lord by proclaiming the gospel. The hymn speaks of the promises the Lord made to His people of old, promises which are still in effect for us today.
In the book “Our Latter-day Hymns,” we read an excerpt from the journal of Joel H. Johnson in which he states that he never backed down from a church assignment, be it serving a mission or giving a talk, and that he never excused himself while proclaiming the gospel, meaning he felt no need to be ashamed of it. This firm attitude also comes across in the song, as we have a sense of dignity in our religion when we sing it.
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