“We Gather Together”

Key: G#
Key Signature: F# and C#
Metrical Index: Irregular Meter – establish a regular metric pattern from an asymmetrical
sequence of two or more-time signatures. A 5/8-time signature, for example, is usually
understood as the sum of two simple meters 3/8 + 2/8 or 2/8 + 3?8.
Tune: The tune now known as KREMSER is a Dutch folk tune, “Ey, wilder den wilt,” and is
also from Valerius' Nederlandtsch Gedenckclanck (1626). It is the only tune to which “We
Gather Together” is sung. Edward Kremser, a Viennese choirmaster, popularized this tune as
part of a collection of Dutch folk songs arranged for male voices in 1877, and it has become
known by his name. The original publication of Baker's text in 1894 was set to this tune. The
tune is simple and well-known.
*Clap rhythmically
Author and History
"We Gather Together" is a Christian hymn of Dutch origin written in 1597 by Adrianus
Valerius as "Wilt heden nu treden" to celebrate the Dutch victory over Spanish forces in
the Battle of Turnhout. It was originally set to a Dutch folk tune. At the time the hymn was
written, the Dutch were engaged in a war of national liberation against the Catholic King Philip
II of Spain. "Wilt heden nu treden," "We gather together" resonated because under the Spanish
King, Dutch Protestants were forbidden to gather for worship. Theodore Baker, an American
music scholar, translated the text into English in 1894 for an anthem titled “Prayer of
Thanksgiving.”
According to the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, "We Gather Together's" first
appearance in an American hymnal was in 1903. It had retained popularity among the Dutch,
and when the Dutch Reformed Church in North America decided in 1937 to abandon the policy
that they had brought with them to the New World in the 17th century of singing only psalms
and adding hymns to the church service, "We Gather Together" was chosen as the first hymn
in the first hymnal.
The militant language and patriotic association can lend a sense of nationalism to the song that
is inappropriate for a worship service. It may take some care to put this text in an appropriate
context for worship. The popularity of this hymn was increased during World War II, when
"the wicked oppressing" were understood to include Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. When
the hymn is put in this context, the message is clearly about the Church seeking God's help and
thanking Him for His presence in the pursuit of victory over evil.
*Sing the first and second verse
When/Why/How:
This hymn is traditionally associated with Thanksgiving Day in the United States, and could
be used in a service for that occasion. It could also be used as an opening hymn for a service
with the theme of the Church triumphant.
A moderate tempo is appropriate, broadening in the third stanza to emphasize the exaltation of
“thou leader triumphant.” Likewise, the accompaniment for the first two stanzas can be piano
or organ alone, with other instruments entering on the third verse. “With Songs of
Thanksgiving” is an arrangement by Douglas Wagner that includes a choral introduction and a
trumpet descant on the third verse.
*Sing the whole hymn