REFUGE AND REST

MUSIC BY: Dan Carter

TEXT BY: Jo Ellen Fankhauser

HISTORICAL RESEARCH BY: Gail Holmes

This pioneer cantata is a musical dramatization of the welcome afforded refugee Mormons from Illinois in 1846 by the Pottawattamie, Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of southwestern Iowa and the Omaha Indians of eastern Nebraska. Their sympathy and generosity allowed these pioneers the opportunity to establish communities and seek refuge in the beautiful Missouri Valley. The chorus, dancers, narrators, orchestra and technical crew are composed of semi-professional and local community volunteers.

PROGRAM

1. Prologue: "The Handcart Song/They the Builders of the Nation" - choir and audience
2. "Serenity" - narration and instrumental
3. "Seasons of Faith"- choir
3a. "Exodus and Indians" - narration and instrumental
4. "Could We Manage Without Their Help?" - men's chorus
5. "Refuge and Rest" - choir
6. "The Arms of Everlasting Love" - Soprano solo and piano
6a. "A New Dress" - narration and instrumental
7. "Dance All Night!" - choir and dancers
7a. "Five Hundred Men" - narration and instrumental
7b. "Thomas Kane's Monologue" - narration and instrumental
8. "Down By The River's Verdant Side" - Mezzo Soprano solo, female quartet and guitar
8a. "Winter Quarters" - narration and instrumental
9. "My Brethren" - Chief Big Elk solo, flute, and piano
10. "We Are On A Journey" - Brigham Young solo and piano
11. "Through Christ Find Peace and Rest"- choir
12. "Rise, And Haste to Zion" - choir
13. "Solemn Assembly" - narration and instrumental
14. "Hosanna! Hosanna!" - Brigham Young solo and choir
15. Reprise: "Refuge and Rest" - choir

PROLOGUE: The handcart Song/They the Builders of the Nation

Ye Saints who dwell abroad the world,
Prepare yourselves for many more,
To leave behind your native land,
For God's sure judgments are at hand.

For you must cross the raging main,
Before the promised land you gain,
And with the faithful make a start
To cross the plains in your handcart.
For some must push and some must pull
As we go marching up the hill,
So merrily on our way we go
Until we reach our promised home.
As 'cross the plains our carts we bring,
Young maidens and young men do sing,
And children too, will laugh and play;
Their strength increasing day by day.
For some must push and some must pull
As we go marching up the hill,
So merrily on our way we go until
We reach our promised home.
They the builders of the nation,
Blazing trails along the way;
Stepping stones for generations
Push, pull all the day,
Singing on our way!
Building new and firm foundations,
Pushing on the wild, wild frontier,
Forging onward, ever onward,
Blessed honored pioneer!
As an ensign to the nation,
They unfurled the flag of truth,
Pillar, guide, and inspiration
To the hosts of waiting youth.
Honor, praise, and veneration
To the founders we revere!
List our song of adoration,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!

"SERENITY" NARRATION

(female speaker):
Nauvoo the Beautiful. Here we thought we had found our refuge. Here we thought we had at last found rest. From a malaria infested swamp, the Prophet Joseph Smith planned and directed the building of what would become the most beautiful and productive city of our day in the state of Illinois. Before Nauvoo, there was Kirtland, Ohio, Independence and Far West Missouri, and the massacre at Haun's Mill. Drivenfrom place to place because of our belief that Christ gave his gospel to the people of this continent just as he did the people of the Holy Land. What peace this truth brings us, and what grief we had endured because of those who ridiculed us. But even amid the suffering and hardship, there is always the same abiding peace knowing God is with us - knowing he has measured even our trials to make us strong and ultimately turn them for our good and blessing. And so after Kirtland, Far West and the rest, Nauvoo the Beautiful was built. How we had hoped our journey would rest here, we then could find refuge from our many trials, but God saw wisdom in us going on to a place called Winter Quarters. So, then, I shall resolve to keep my serenity with me even when the world is not serene. I shall resolve to keep my beautiful Nauvoo in my soul till Zion can be established in peace. And if peace is scarce around me, I shall carry it with me in my heart.

A YOUNG MAN

(in his late teens)
I remember it well, it was February 4th, 1846. My father woke me in the middle of the night. He said that I must wake up and hurry. The conspirators were on their way to Nauvoo and we needed to leave immediately. During the dark chilly night my parents and I loaded food and a few of our most useful belongings into our small drafty wagon. We left almost everything behind; our home, father's business, and my warm bed. For nearly a month we tried waiting out the threat in the freezing weather. We had camped along with others a few miles west of Nauvoo, just across the river at Sugar Creek. I was told we were never going back to Nauvoo, but heading west. Wagon after wagon pushed forward a few miles each day in the face of bitterly cold winds and snow. At times I could not feel the tips of my toes or fingers. Mother told me not to think of how cold I was, but to have pleasant thoughts, winter would not last forever, soon there would be spring.

SEASONS OF FAITH

(choir)
Brittle grass beneath our feet,
Together now, we saints retreat.
Winter snows give way to spring,
We worship God, our King.
Horizons lie far before us,
Faith brings strength to every chorus.
Winter snows give way to spring,
We worship God, our King.
Babies born and sickly carried.
A few pass on, humbly buried.
Winter snows give way to spring,
We worship God, our King.
Weather is so bitter cold,
Still we cling to faith of old.
Winter snows give way to spring,
We worship God, our King.

OLD TRAPPER

(a grizzly character who speaks with authority)
I'm an old trapper and I ain't never seen the likes of them church folks. It's like in the Good Book when Israel lit out of Egypt. Thousand of 'em - men, women, and little 'uns. I been told 16,000 of 'em done crossed from western Illinois and southeastern Iowa already. They ain't got much food and most of 'em look like their clothes is nothin' but rags. I hope they knows what they're headed into. That'sOmaha, Pottawattamie, Ottawa, and Chippewa territory they're plannin' to cross. They'd best be careful. If they treat them Indians good they'll let 'em pass. If not, heaven help 'em!

WITHOUT THEIR HELP?

(men's chorus)
Doesn't mean they haven't seen us!
They don't try to steal us blind!
Haven't burned us out at night yet!
Food and clothing hard to find.
Could we manage without their help?
This trek across the frontier plains.
Moving families and our loved ones,
Hoping they will be our friends.
Welcomed to their native homeland,
We are men who seek the Spirit.
Showing kindness, patience, courage,
Teach, baptize, and walk the path with God.
Could we manage without their help?
Welcomed to their native land.
Could we manage without them?
Hoping that they'll be our friends.

INDIAN AGENT

(middle aged gentleman)
I have seen many immigrants use the land and it's people badly. These people who call themselves "Saints" are different. I have found them to be good men, men of their word. They have been kind and generous to the natives. All of my reports show that they are peaceful folks, looking for some place to settle. I hear that they are headed for the Missouri Valley near the river. It sure is pretty country there. Maybe they will be able to find a little peace and rest, the tribes there are fairly friendly.

REFUGE AND REST

(choir)
The Lord teaches us to show our love.
A love of service,
As well as words.
The Spirit voice speaks to all hearts who'll hear.
And nurtures pure
Friendship eternal bands.
Here on the river banks we have found perfect peace.
A home of solace,
A home of safety
A home of refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
A home of solace, home of peace
A place to worship God in Peace.
The Lord teaches all to show their love.
A love of service,
As well as words.
The Lord's voice has spoken to these native souls,
Whose hearts provide welcome,
And refuge and rest.
The Lord teaches us to show our love.
A love of service,
As well as words.
The Spirit voice speaks to all hearts who'll hear.
And nurtures pure
Friendship eternal bands.
Here on the river banks we have found perfect peace.
A home of solace,
A home of safety
A home of refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
A home of solace, home of peace
A place to worship God in Peace.
The Lord teaches all to show their love.
A love of service,
As well as words.
The Lord's voice has spoken to these native souls,
Whose hearts provide welcome,
And refuge and rest.
Here on the river banks we have found perfect peace.
A home of solace,
A home of safety,
A home of refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
A home of solace, home of peace,
A place to worship God in peace.
(Lights dim and a spotlight comes up on a mother cradling her child in her arms.)

THE ARMS OF EVER LASTING LOVE

(Soprano solo, see D&C 6:20)
Why do I not feel lost?
Why do I burn inside?
My faith and my desires,
They seem to coincide.
As God told Oliver,
When he began his work.
"Now treasure up these things,
Find comfort in these words.
Be faithful, diligent,
In keeping my commandments.
And I'll encircle thee,
In arms of everlasting love."
In perfect charity,
Plant me on gospel sod.
In perfect charity,
Encircled by my God.
I am not ever lost,
Encircled by his love.
My view is ever clear,
The path that I should trod.
And I will never be lost
Despite commotions of the world,
For I'm encircled in the arms,
Encircled by the arms.
Encircled in the arms of everlasting love.

TWO YOUNG WOMEN

(in their early teens):
EMILY: How long has your family been here is the Missouri Valley Abby?
ABIGAIL: Comin' on three months now. The spring weather is wonderful and some of our crops are taking hold already.
EMILY: My papa says we should lay away some supplies for those who are still traveling in from the east. Did you hear that the traders from Point aux poules have brought up some fine linen from down south?
ABIGAIL: Mama says it is just about high time that I have a new dress. I overheard the town folk talking about having a dance and supper.
EMILY: I know that for a fact. Papa told me that William Pitt and his band are going to be performing at the dance. I can't wait to kick off these dusty old boots, put on my Sunday best, and dance all night long.
ABIGAIL: (after a slight pause) Do you suppose the Parker boys will be there?
EMILY: I suppose! (both girls sigh heavily and then exit)

DANCE ALL NIGHT!

(choir or mixed group, with dance interlude)
Women - Let's sit down and eat our supper.
Men - Let's stand up and dance all night.
Women - You don't want to get much thinner.
Men - Look at me, I'll be alright!
Women - Dried hard tacky, fried pork belly,
Men - Dance a two step with me hon!
Women - There's baked beans, corn, rolls, and jelly.
Men - Can't stop now! Song's almost done!
Women - Let's sit down and eat our supper.
Men - Let's stand up and dance all night.
Women - I've been slavin' o'er this dinner.
Men - Dance with me! It'll be alright!
Women - Dried hard tacky, fried pork belly,
Men - Dance a two step with me hon!
Women - There's baked beans, corn, rolls, and jelly.
Men - Can't stop now! Song's almost done!
(instrumental interlude and dance)
Women - You sit down and eat your supper.
Men - Look at me! My what a fright!
Women - You don't want to get much thinner.
Men - You said eat! Well I just might!
Women - Whirls, spins, I like this prancin'.
Men - My feet hurt! I'm gonna die!
Women - Bend and twirl! Keep a dancin'
Men - No, my dear, pass me some pie!

A YOUNG FARMER

(re-reads the written letter below)
Dear Mary,
I need you to return from your sister's place to our encampment immediately. The government has sent the saints a letter stating that the United States needs men for the war with Mexico. Five hundred of the brethren have been called to serve our country, and man a battalion to march with the "Army of the West" to California. Mary, I was called to serve. Captain James Allen, a United State army officer and apersonal friend of Brigham Young's will be here in a few days, and will lead the trek west. I would like to have you and the children here before I leave. Once again I would like to feel your warm embrace ... and instruct you on how to take care of the crops and cows.
Your loving husband - Nathan

THOMAS L. KANE MONOLOGUE

(Kane should be dressed in period militaryuniform - the speech is taken from pg. 64 of "Mormon Hymns" by J. Spencer Cornwall).
My name is Thomas L. Kane, it was my duty to hand deliver the calling of the Mormon Battalion to Colonel Stephen W. Kearny. Kearny in turn then chosecapable officers such as Captain James Allen to lead the militia west. I was very takenby the strength and courage of these five hundred Mormon soldiers. The scene of their departure is still vivid in my memory. There was no sentimental affectation at their leaving. Light hearts, lithe figures, and light feet had their own way from an early hour, till after the sun had dippedbehind the sharp skyline of the Omaha Hills. Silence was then called. A well trainedmezzo soprano voice belonging to a young lady with a fair face and dark eyes sangwith quartet accompaniment, a little song, the notes of which I have been unable to obtain. A version of the text, touching all wanderers: "Down by the river's verdants side ...
(Soloist begins singing as Kane starts reciting the first line of verse. His voicefades away as the soloist takes over.)

DOWN BY THE RIVER'S VERDANT SIDE

(Mezzo Soprano and female quartet - see Hymn #55 of old Hymnal)
"Down by the river's verdant side,
Low by the solitary tide,
There, while the peaceful waters slept,
We pensively sat down and wept,
And on the bending willows hung
Our silent harps through grief unstrung.
O never shall our harps awake,
Laid in the dust for Zion's sake,
Forever on the willows hung,
Their music hushed, their chords unstrung.
Lost Zion! city of our God,
While groaning 'neath the tyrant's rod.
And while we toil through wretched life
And drink the bitter cup of strife,
Until we yield our weary breath,
And sleep released from woe in death,
Will Zion in our memory stand -
Our lost, our ruined native land.

BRIGHAM YOUNG:

It is now late summer, more than a thousand stragglers are still trying to getout of Nauvoo. We will winter here near the Missouri River. From this position we willbe able to rush back and help those who might otherwise suffer. Having made thisdecision we will need to move north nine miles. That Nebraska site will be ourwinter quarters. On the Iowa side of the river the chief of the Pottawattamie Tribe has welcomed thousands of our refugees, with great tenderness, and will continue todo so. We are grateful for his friendship and support. Starting on August 27th and 28th of this year (1846) I will meet with the Omaha Chief, Big Elk. He is a man who can be trusted and who has shown us muchgenerosity in the past. I will ask him to allow our vanguard troop of men, women, andchildren a safe haven for the winter. I pray brethren and sisters, that we will be allowedto dwell among the natives of this land and find peace with them in the months ahead.

MY BRETHREN

(tenor solo in a very free / recitative style, to be followed immediately by Brigham Young's bass solo.)
My brethren not many years back,
This beautiful country,
Abundant with game, timber, clear water,
Was our land.
Now we have been driven away,
From our lodges,
From our land,
From the graves of our people.
My people and your people have suffered.
We must help one another.
And the Great Spirit
Will help us both.
My brethren you're free,
To use this land.
To make improvements, plant your crops.
Yet allow us our freedom.
My Brethren, because brothers suffer,
It is no reason to suffer always.
If you cut down all our trees,
I will be the only tree left.
We will be brethren to you,
My brethren, my friends.
And if we do not see peace in our day,
Our children will.

WE ARE ON A JOURNEY

(Brigham Young's solo, bass voice)
We are on a journey,
And with your kind permission.
We'd like to winter here,
And ask this one condition:
That my people be allowed,
The priv'lege of your land.
To build, improve, repair,
To till and sow and plant.
On this entreaty stand.
We are on a journey,
Much longer than this life.
A mission full of service,
Of happiness and strife.
We'll honor your requests.
Defend your native home.
Work side by side as brethren,
Move timber, rock, and stone.
And soon we'll leave this land of yours,
To venture towards the west,
But now we'll guard you,
Honor your requests.
We are on a journey,
Too long to finish now.
To cultivate true Godliness,
With hands upon the plow.
To plant the seeds of brotherhood,
In ev'ry human heart.
'Till earth is filled with peace,
As in Eden's blissful start;
Till earth is filled with goodness
The Spirit of the Lord.
We soon will leave this land of yours,
And venture farther west,
We invoke on you this blessing,
"Thru Christ find peace and rest."

THRU CHRIST FIND PEACE AND REST

(choir)
Thru Christ find peace and rest.
May the Lord bless this people,
May he bless this land.
Prosper and have peace,
By keeping his commands.
Thru Christ find peace and rest.
May God protect and shield you,
Deliver you from evil,
And cause your countenance,
To glow with his love.
Thru Christ find peace and rest.
Amen

NEWSPAPER MAN

(a man in his thirties dressed in arms bands, spectacles, and a visor)
In December of 1847 some of the Mormon Battalion returned to Winter Quarters. The streets were crowded with people and marchers ready to shake hands, kiss their wives, hug their children, and embrace friends after an absence of many months. Having traveled over 2,000 miles only a few of the five hundred soldiers died, there were no serious accidents, and for these blessings, the Saints thanked the Lord.

Rise, and Haste to Zion

(choir; Isaiah 35)
The blessings of the Lord,
Have been with today.
Through rugged, dusty, desert plains,
We walked the homeward way.
The blessings of the Lord.
Have been with us today.
For faithful loved ones gone from us,
Return to us to stay.
O, rise, and haste to Zion,
Where joy is all the day.
Where night and sorrow cannot come,
Then sighing flee away.
The weak hands wilt thou strengthen,
O, Lord we ask today.
Confirm the feeble and infirm,
Make whole again, we pray.
We've seen and walked the desert,
New Zion, some do say,
T'will blossom as a garden rose,
Safe haven for our day.
O rise, and haste to Zion.
Where joy is all the day,
Where night and sorrow cannot come,
Then sighing flee away.
The blessings of the Lord,
Have been with us today.
Through rugged, dusty, desert plains,
We walked the homeward way.
The blessings of the Lord,
Have been with us today.
For faithful ones return to us to stay.
O rise and haste to Zion,
Where joy is all the day.

MODERN DAY FEMALE READER

(reading from an old journal):
This entry is from my great great grandmother's dairy. She writes: " It is nowDecember 1847. Our refuge among the Indians is secure. I have watched asfamilies have grown, as the dead have been buried, and as loved ones have joined usfrom Nauvoo. Plans are now being made for the spring exodus to the west. I hopethese weary bones are up to another move. Last Sunday we met at the Kanesville Tabernacle to attend conference and a solemn assembly. Brigham Young wassustained as President of the Church along with the members of the Quorum ofthe Twelve. The Spirit was so strong. I can still recall the hush that fell over thecongregation as President Young stood to speak."

HOSANNA! HOSANNA!

(Brigham Young's solo - the choir joins and sings the Hosanna chorus)
The Spirit of the Lord,
Rests upon this people.
In such powerful a way,
Our hearts are filled with joy.
With ev'ry power of our minds,
Every power of our being,
Arise, ye saints of God!
Shout Hosanna!
To God and the lamb,
Shout Hosanna! ...
(chorus)
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna! ...
To God and the Lamb!
The Spirit of the Lord
Rests upon this people
In such powerful a way
Our hearts are filled with joy.
With ev'ry power of our minds,
Ev'ry power of our beings,
Arise, ye Saints of God.
Shout Hosanna, amen.

MODERN DAY FEMALE READER:

(over background music)
These blessed ancestors of our past, bore much for the price of religious freedom. For seven years the Saints found solitude in the encampments near the beautiful Missouri River. From the settlement of Pisgah in the North, to Austin Township in the south, from Cold Spring in the east, to Elkhorn Camp in the west,the early pioneers found repose before making their trek to Zion in the west. By the river couples were married, babies were born, and loved ones were laid to rest. It is truly hallowed ground. A mission was completed here, on filled with kindness, generosity, and love. The blessings of this place will always be for us: peace, prosperity, refuge and rest.

REFUGE AND REST

(Reprise)
The Lord teaches us to show our love.
A love of service,
As well as words.
The Spirit voice speaks to all hearts who'll hear.
And nurtures pure
Friendship eternal bands.
Here on the river banks we have found perfect peace.
A home of solace,
A home of safety
A home of refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
A home of solace, home of peace
A place to worship God in Peace.
The Lord teaches all to show their love.
A love of service,
As well as words.
The Lord's voice has spoken to these native souls,
Whose hearts provide welcome,
And refuge and rest.
The Lord teaches us to show our love.
A love of service,
As well as words.
The Spirit voice speaks to all hearts who'll hear.
And nurtures pure
Friendship eternal bands.
Here on the river banks we have found perfect peace.
A home of solace,
A home of safety
A home of refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
A home of solace, home of peace
A place to worship God in Peace.
The Lord teaches all to show their love.
A love of service,
As well as words.
The Lord's voice has spoken to these native souls,
Whose hearts provide welcome,
And refuge and rest.
Here on the river banks we have found perfect peace.
A home of solace,
A home of safety,
A home of refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
Refuge and rest.
A home of solace, home of peace,
A place to worship God in peace.

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