Thomas C. Griggs facts for kids
Thomas Cott Griggs (born June 19, 1845 – died August 12, 1903) was an English musician. He was a director and wrote hymns for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He composed the music for "Gently Raise the Sacred Strain." This song has been used by the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir for many years. It often starts their Music and the Spoken Word broadcasts.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to America
Thomas Cott Griggs was born in Dover, Kent, England. When he was young, his mother joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thomas was baptized a member of the Church in May 1856.
Later that same year, Thomas and his mother moved to Boston, USA. His father had already passed away. They traveled with a group of other Latter-day Saints. They lived in Boston for five years.
Discovering Music
While in Boston, Thomas joined a band that was formed by the local Church members. Being part of this band made him want to study music even more. He also became a teacher in the Church's Aaronic Priesthood. This calling was given to him by Apostle George Q. Cannon.
When the American Civil War began, Church leaders advised members to move to Utah Territory. So, in 1861, Thomas and his mother traveled across the plains. They were part of Joseph Horne's pioneer company.
Work with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Thomas Griggs joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in 1866. At that time, Charles John Thomas was the director. Thomas Griggs remained a member of the choir until he passed away in 1903.
When Robert Sands was the choir's conductor, Thomas Griggs served as his assistant.
Missionary Service
Around 1880, Thomas Griggs left the choir for a short time. He served as a Mormon missionary in Britain. While he was away, he was appointed to be the director of the choir.
However, when he returned to Utah, he saw that Ebenezer Beesley was doing a great job directing the choir. Thomas convinced Church leaders to let Beesley stay as the director. Thomas then continued in his role as the assistant director.
Other Music Contributions
Besides his work with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Thomas Griggs also helped with other important music projects. He helped put together the Latter-day Saint Psalmody. He also helped with the first songbook published by the Deseret Sunday School Union.
Sunday School Leadership
Thomas Griggs had strong connections to the Church's Sunday School program. From 1874 to 1891, he was the superintendent of the Sunday School in the 15th Ward in Salt Lake City.
From 1891 to 1901, he was the superintendent for the Salt Lake Stake Sunday School. This meant he was in charge of all Sunday Schools in Salt Lake County.
Thomas Griggs also became a member of the General Board of the Deseret Sunday School Union in 1889. He served in this position until his death in 1903. From 1900 until his death, he was also the business manager for the Deseret Sunday School Union.
