An original hymn with text by Kathryn Hales below.  Watch on YouTube: I Did Not See Temple Spires

I did not see the vision,

Nor dream a prophet’s dream,

I only saw the barren desert

Stretch forth upon the scene.

I was not there when Brigham’s cane

Touched the virgin ground

Naming the spot the Lord had shown

Where a temple would be found.

 

I did not hear the Lord’s own voice

As over ocean waves I tossed,

Nor spared the death of loved ones dear

As the vast plains I crossed.

 

I only felt the Holy Spirit

Telling me the work was true,

So I obeyed the prophetic words

Until my trek was through.

 

I helped dig the rocky soil

Before the foundation was laid

Then with shovel filled the gaping hole

Before Johnston’s army stayed.

 

I did not see the temple’s spires

I only saw the walls,

I only shaped the granite stones

With hammer, chisel, maul.

 

I coaxed oxen through the mud

To move stones down a mountain side,

I watched our leaders grow old in years,

No temple finished before they died.

 

Now soon I too will join them

Though I’ve labored oh so long,

I’ll not see the rising spires

Or sing praises in Hosanna song.

 

I’m just a common earthly man,

A laborer in a cause so great,

To generations yet unborn,

I’m not one you’ll appreciate.

 

Through the years I’ve toiled and sweat,

Shared blood and grief and tears,

Obeyed the prophet’s call to serve

Listened in faith, not fear.

 

Please do not take for granted

As you walk through these carved doors,

Or hear the echo of carpenters

From stairs or roof or floors

 

The love and work that went into

Many years of toil and prayer,

Feel our spirits in the halls

As you enter there.

 

Though the structure’s end I’ll not see,

To others who this path may trod,

Go forth with diligence and faith

Till we finish the work of God.