The Rose Ensemble: "Peace and Joy" -Shaker Hymn (1893)

"Peace and Joy" (arr. Jordan Sramek/The Rose Ensemble)
Source: The North Family of Mt. Lebanon Col. Co., NY,
Original Shaker Music (1893)
members of The Rose Ensemble, Jordan Sramek, Founder/Artistic Director
Sopranos: Kim Sueoka (soloist), Elizabeth Windnagel
Altos: Alyssa Anderson, Natalie Nowytski
Instrumentalists: Ginna Watson (fiddle), David Burk (parlor guitar), Josh Schwalbach (bass)
One of the less recognized roots of bluegrass and old-time music is the Shaker tradition. Frederick William Evans (1808-1893), who was born in Leominster, England, sailed with members of his family to the United States in 1820. Having been influenced by the Owenites and other freethinking groups, he began editing (with his brother) several publications devoted to radical reform. After visiting a Shaker community in Lebanon, NY, he became a member and spent 57 of his last 63 years with the community as an elder. A born leader and natural orator, he became one of the nation's most influential Shaker leaders and published much on this topic, including the collection hymns in which hymns like "Peace and Joy" are found: "Shaker Music: Inspirational Hymns and Melodies Illustrative of the Resurrection Life and Testimony of the Shakers."
TEXT:
Awake for the angels are gath’ring near,
Whispering peace and joy,
Gathering near Christ’s blessing to bring;
Let nothing that boon destroy.
Refrain 1: Happy are they who gather these gifts,
Fresh from the heav’ns the soul to uplift.
Oh, then let us gain ev’ry Christian grace,
Whate’er the toil and strife,
Thus forming here a household of faith
The fruit of the virgin life.
Refrain 2: Let us sing with the angels in glad accord,
Peace and joy are the gifts of the Lord.

[@mariespencer8668]

That is about my favorite album

[@RoseEnsemble]

We will try to post a few more from this CD in the coming weeks. Thanks for your feedback.

[@clearandbright2685]

Thank you for posting, Jordan! Beautiful!

[@KICLEI_CANADA]

Beautiful

[@jcoro531]

Lovely! Refreshing!

[@jedikid2]

I will see myself on the school projector when this video plays so Hi me

[@antiquesmag]

So expressive!