Description

Joseph J. Daynes

Joseph was born in England in 1851. His father was a watchmaker by trade, but a musician by hobby. When Joseph was only 18 months old, he showed a love of music. By the age of four he was performing, and at age six he was in demand for concerts and special performances. It is said he even performed for the Queen of England.

Then in 1862, the family made the decision to immigrate to America. Joseph was only eleven years old, and small of stature. As he walked across the trail going west, he carried a small harmonium strapped to his shoulders. In the evenings alongside the trail, Joseph’s father, John would lead the singing while Joseph accompanied the weary travelers. This continued until the family arrived Salt Lake City in June of 1862. The company camped that first night on the old Pioneer Square, where the City\County building now stands, and as usual, they sang while Joseph played.

In the audience that night listening to young Joseph play was President Brigham Young. He had come to welcome them into the Valley. He was heard to exclaim, “There is our organist for the great Tabernacle organ.”

In 1866, President Young asked Joseph Ridges if he could build an organ for the new Tabernacle that was being constructed on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Ridges said it could be done and work was begun. All the while the organ was being built, people asked President Young, ‘who will play our great organ when it is done? And President Young would answer, ‘the Lord will provide.’ On October 6, 1867 that organ was heard for the first time accompanying the Mormon Tabernacle Choir—sitting at the console, only 16 years-old, was Joseph J. Daynes.

He would hold that post as tabernacle organist for the duration of the 19th century—33 years. From that lad, who the first time he sat at the old tabernacle’s organ had to have a block of cork strapped to his feet to reach the pedals, would come so many of the great hymns cherished around the world.

Choir conductor Evan Stephens, later said of him, “He was, without doubt, one of the greatest organists of his time.”

Just so we don’t forget, all of us are blessed with gifts that the Almighty can use for the benefit of us all.