"We Gather Together" is a traditional Dutch hymn sung in Thanksgiving Day service. It is as an expression of thanksgiving to God as defender and guide throughout the past year. The original text writer is unknown, written at the end of the 16th century to celebrate the Dutch freedom from the Spanish domination. The Dutch were driven from their lands. A number of Dutch nationalistic songs developed as a result of patriotic emphasis.
- Text Author: Unknown
- English Translation: Theodore Baker (1851-1934)
- Music: Netherlands Folk Melody
- Arranged in English by: Edward Kremser (1838-1914)
- Tune Name: "Kremser"
"We Gather Together" is considered the finest of these musical expressions. It was first published in Adrian Valerius's Nederlandtsche Gedenckclanck, in 1626, in Haarleem. Initially, the singing of this hymn was limited to the Dutch people, until more than two centuries ago, in 1877, it was discovered by Edward Kremser, a Viennese musician who published it in his collection Sechs Altniederlanddische Volkslieder. The English translation of the text was done by Theodore Baker and it appeared in Dutch Folk songs compiled by Coenraad V. Bos.
To appreciate the history of this hymn, it is necessary of know its historical background. For many years, Holland had been under the scourge of Spain. In 1576, Antwerp was captured and sacked by the Spanish armies. Nine years later, it was captured again by the Spanish and all of the Protestant citizens were exiled.
Many other Dutch cities suffered similar fates. William the Silent, one of the revered leaders of the struggle against Spain was eventually murdered by a Catholic assassin. His youngest son, Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange, assumed the leadership for more than a quarter century. His rule was called the great golden age of prosperity where rich post-reformation culture developed throughout Holland.
Commerce was expanded, and this was the period of great Dutch art, with such prominent painters as Rembrandt and Vermeer. In 1648, the Spanish endeavors to control Holland were finally destroyed beyond recovery.
These historical events can be seen from the references within the hymns's text, that God will continue to defend:
- "The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing," (in first stanza)
- "so from the beginning the fight we were winning," (in second stanza)
- "and pray that Thou still our defender will be." (in final stanza)
The tune, "Kremser," was named after the Viennese musician, Edward Kremser, who discovered and published this hymn after two centuries later. The original melody is thought to be a folk song from the Netherlands. Edward Kremser was born on April 10, 1838, in Vienna, Austria, and died there on November 27, 1914. He was a noted choral director, composer and publisher of numerous vocal and instrumental works.
The English translator of this text, Theodore Baker, was born in New York City on June 3, 1851. He was highly respected as a music researcher. His famous Biograpical Dictionary of Musicians, became an authoritative reference book for all serious students of music. From 1892 to 1926, Baker served as literary editor for the G. Schirmer Music Company. Upon his retirement, Baker returned to Germany, where he had received his earlier musical training. He died in Dresden, Germany, on October 13, 1934.
Today, "We Gather Together" is sung primarily as a thanksgiving hymn.
We Gather Together
(First stanza)
"We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing:
Sing praises to His name He forgets not His own."
Related Hymn Links
Lyrics and Music
Cyber Hymnal (Click MIDI from there)
Sources:
101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications (1985)
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