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Members of the Hayden Ward in the Hayden Lake Idaho Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are adapting to new hymns as they are released for the updated hymnbook, “Hymns — For Home and Church.” The community, located north of Coeur d’Alene, is also preparing for the construction of the Coeur d’Alene Idaho Temple, which was announced by President Russell M. Nelson during the October 2024 general conference.
Lowell Smith, who has served as choir director for more than two years, leads an initiative that helps congregants learn new hymns. Richard Dance, North Idaho Region communication director for the Church, explained that with each release of new hymns, Smith collaborates with Robin Judd, ward and stake music coordinator, to plan how to introduce them.
The approach involves having the choir sing the first two verses of a new hymn on Sunday before inviting the congregation to join in for remaining verses. These hymns are then included in regular worship rotation so all members can become familiar with them over time.
Smith’s musical background has influenced his method. “His mom taught all six kids to play the piano and dabble in a second instrument. She taught them to sing all four parts, so to this day in a hymn with four verses, he will sing one verse with each part,” Dance said.
Smith sought a structured way to help everyone learn new hymns. Dance said Smith asked himself: “How can I adopt my professional background to learning the hymns?”
Because some members have limited access to digital resources, Smith created a temporary spiral-bound hymnbook containing printed versions of new songs. In coordination with bishops from three wards sharing their meetinghouse, Smith ensures weekly distribution of these copies so everyone can participate regardless of technology access. This practice has expanded beyond their building into four other local meetinghouses.
On a recent Sunday service at Hayden Ward, participants sang both traditional selections like “O Ye Mountains High” and newer additions such as “Behold the Wounds in Jesus’ Hands” and “This Little Light of Mine.” To introduce this children’s song, four primary-age children sang its first verse—some by memory and others using printed copies from the temporary hymn book. Suzie Ratelle, recently returned from missionary service in Hawaii, accompanied on ukulele while Julienne Dance played piano during an interlude before the choir continued.
“This was enough that we learned the song and enjoyed it,” Richard Dance said. “It is a catchy little tune with easy to memorize lines that I was able to teach my grandkids the next day in a single car ride. It has a simple but great message too.”
Dance added that learning and singing these new hymns enhances worship experiences: “When I was singing the sacrament hymn, I felt an increase of love for the sacrifice of our Savior beyond what I feel with our former hymns,” he said. “And when I sang the closing hymn, I felt more comfort and at peace than I usually do. It is my testimony that the new hymns are working as desired in my life.”
