Chief
Chief of Sinners.
Composer: Eliza E. Hewitt
1 Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He'll prepare for us a place.
Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
we'll sing and shout the victory!
2 While we walk the pilgrim pathway
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav'ling days are over
Not a shadow, not a sigh. [Refrain]
3 Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving ev'ry day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay. [Refrain]
4 Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we'll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open–
We shall tread the streets of gold. [Refrain]
Story behind the song:
Eliza E. Hewitt and Emily D. Wilson, both from Philadelphia, collaborated to create a gospel song in the late nineteenth century that reflects the revival spirit of the era. The hymn, "When We All Get to Heaven," is rooted in the combination of revivalism and adventism that characterized Wesleyan preaching post-Civil War. The song, along with others of similar themes, added a sense of urgency and imminence to hymns about heaven. The Methodist and Baptist denominations were primary sources of these songs, often included in collections for Sunday schools and revivals. Eliza Hewitt, a Presbyterian, drew inspiration from Methodist camp meetings in Ocean Grove, emphasizing Christ's imminent return and individual preparation for it. The song's lyrics contain biblical references and were first included in the compilation "Pentecostal Praises." The tune of the song, known as HEAVEN, was attributed to Emily Wilson and features a quartet version with lower voices echoing the melodic line. Despite being homebound due to illness, Eliza Hewitt continued to write hymns, while Emily Wilson, the wife of a Methodist minister, contributed to the local church through her musical talent.