HYMN #1177 SSS #1177 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #1177: They are gathering

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

They are gathering homeward from every land,
One by one, one by one;
As their weary feet touch the shining strand,
Yes, one by one.
Their brows are enclosed in a golden crown,
Their travel-stained garments are all laid down;
And clothed in white raiment they rest in the mead,
Where the Lamb doth love His saints to lead.
Gathering home, gathering home,
Fording the river, one by one;
Gathering home, gathering home,
Yes, one by one.

We, too, shall come to the river side,
One by one, one by one:
We are nearer its waters each eventide,
Yes, one by one.
To some are the floods of the river stil ,
As they ford on their way to the heavenly hill!
To others the waves run fiercely and wild,
Yet they reach the home of the undefiled.

Jesus, Redeemer, we look to Thee,
One by one, one by one;
We lift lip our voices tremblingly,
Yes, one by one.
The waves of the river are dark and cold,
But we know the place where our feet shall hold;
O Thou, who didst pass through in deepest midnight,
Now guide us, and send us the staff and light.

← Prev (#1176) Hymn 1177 of 1,200 Next (#1178) →

🔎 Browse All 1,200 SS&S Hymns

Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "They are gathering"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #1177 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 3 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: P.M.
Stanza Structure: 3 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

WINDOWS DESKTOP EDITION 100% Offline Worship

Take All 1,838 Hymns With Cathedral Organ Tunes Everywhere

Download the free offline Windows app with full 4-part harmony pipe organ accompaniments for both Sacred Songs & Solos and Hymns Ancient & Modern.

⬇️ Download for Windows PC (2.9 MB) View simple 1-minute installation guide →