Shall We Gather At The River

“Shall We Gather at the River” was written in 1864 by the American preacher and hymn writer Robert Lowry, one of the most prolific gospel songwriters of the nineteenth century. The hymn was composed during the Civil War era, a time marked by tremendous loss and suffering across the United States. Lowry, then a Baptist minister serving in Brooklyn, New York, was deeply moved by the devastation and widespread death around him. In reflecting upon these sorrows, he turned to Scripture, especially Revelation 22:1, where John describes the river of life flowing from the throne of God. Inspired by this vision of eternal peace and restoration, Lowry penned a hymn that pointed believers to the hope of heaven and the ultimate gathering of God’s people at the eternal river.

The lyrics of this hymn capture a spirit of anticipation and assurance, portraying heaven as a place of joyful reunion, peace, and worship. The refrain’s repetition of “Shall we gather at the river?” is answered with an affirmative declaration: “Yes, we’ll gather at the river.” This simple yet profound structure makes the song deeply comforting and memorable. Lowry himself later admitted that he often felt as though the melody flowed into his mind almost effortlessly, as if divinely given. He paired the words with a lively and uplifting tune that stands in contrast to the somberness of its historical context, reminding Christians that heaven is a place of joy, not sorrow.

Over time, “Shall We Gather at the River” became one of the most beloved American gospel hymns, widely used in camp meetings, revivals, funerals, and worship services. Its universal message of hope, grounded in Scripture, has made it a favorite across denominations. The hymn has been translated into numerous languages and set to various musical arrangements, appearing in countless hymnals around the world. Robert Lowry, who also wrote classics such as “Low in the Grave He Lay” and “How Can I Keep from Singing,” left a lasting legacy through this hymn, offering comfort to generations of believers by directing their hearts toward the eternal home promised in Christ.