John Parry (Mormon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Parry Sr. |
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| Born | John Parry February 10, 1789 Newmarket, Flintshire, Wales, Great Britain |
| Died | January 13, 1868 (aged 78) Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, United States |
John Parry Sr. (born February 10, 1789 – died January 13, 1868) was an important early member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He came from Wales and became the very first music leader, or conductor, of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Early Life and Faith
John Parry was born in a place called Newmarket, which is now known as Trelawnyd, in Flintshire, Wales. Before he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John Parry was a minister in a different church. This church was in Newmarket and was called "John Parry's Association." It followed the ideas of a religious leader named Alexander Campbell.
In 1846, John Parry and his wife, Mary Williams, were baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their decision to join was quite exciting for other Welsh members of the Church. Many people saw them as important figures joining the new faith.
Journey to Utah
In 1849, John Parry and about 100 other Welsh members of the Church began a long journey. They sailed from Liverpool, England, to America. After arriving in America, they traveled to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Sadly, on May 17, 1849, John's wife, Mary Parry, passed away from a sickness called cholera.
Even after this sad event, John Parry continued his journey as a pioneer. He traveled with other members of the Church all the way to Utah Territory. He arrived there later in 1849, ready to help build a new community.
Leading the Choir
At a big meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in October 1849, John Parry showed his musical talent. He led a group of 85 Welsh converts in singing several songs. The Church president at the time, Brigham Young, was very impressed.
President Young then asked John Parry to officially create a church choir. This choir would provide music for future Church meetings and conferences. John Parry took on this important task. He organized what would later become the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. John Parry was the choir's conductor until 1854. After him, Stephen Goddard took over as the conductor.
Family Life
Like many early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John Parry had a large family. In 1851, he married Patty Bartlett Sessions. Over the next two years, he also married Grace Ann Williams, who was his first wife Mary's sister, and Harriet Parry, who was his cousin. John Parry was a father to 12 children.
John Parry passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah, on January 13, 1868. He was buried there. His son, Edwin F. Parry, also became known for writing hymns for the Church.
