Charles John Thomas facts for kids

Charles John Thomas (born November 20, 1832 – died March 31, 1919) was a talented musician. He was famous for leading the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the 1860s. This choir is now called the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. He also helped with many other music projects in early Utah.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Charles J. Thomas was born in Burnley, Lancashire, England. His parents were Joseph K. Thomas and Margaret Spotswood. Charles started playing music very young. By age nine, he was in an orchestra with his father. They played at the Theatre Royal. His father was a musician and taught him everything he knew.

In 1851, Charles joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Soon after, his family also joined the Church. In the 1850s, Thomas traveled with an Italian opera company. Some of the music he wrote was played in London theatres.

Moving to Utah and Leading the Choir

In 1861, Thomas moved to Utah Territory. When he arrived, he quickly became involved in music. He took over a local band. He also became the first orchestra director at the Salt Lake Theatre.

From 1862 to 1865, Thomas directed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He was the first person to lead the choir in the current Salt Lake Tabernacle building. After this, from 1865 to 1871, Thomas lived in St. George and then in Beaver, Utah. In both places, he helped create choirs and taught music lessons.

Return to Salt Lake City and Later Years

In 1871, Brigham Young asked Thomas to come back to Salt Lake City. He was asked to lead the Salt Lake Theatre Orchestra again. In the years that followed, Thomas started the first male glee club in Salt Lake City in 1876. He also taught music lessons. One of his students was Heber J. Grant, who later became a Church president.

In 1887, Thomas served as a Mormon missionary in Great Britain. After returning to Salt Lake City, he became the head of music for the Salt Lake Temple. He also directed a special choir. This choir was made up of Tabernacle Choir members who did not go to the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. This way, music could still be performed at the Tabernacle while most of the choir was away.

Family and Musical Works

Charles Thomas married Charlotte Gibbs. Charlotte passed away in 1875. In 1878, Thomas married Amy H. Adams. Charles had 13 children with his two wives. However, only six of his children were still alive in 1904. Most of the others had died when they were very young.

Thomas's sister, Margaret, married George Romney. George was the grandfather of George W. Romney and the great-grandfather of Mitt Romney.

Thomas wrote several musical pieces. One of his hymns was "Sons of Michael, He Approaches." This hymn was in older Latter-day Saint hymnals. However, it is not in the most recent English hymnal of the Church. He also wrote "Harken and Lo a Voice" and "Harken, O Gentiles" in the 1850s.

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