Robert B. Baird

Robert B. Baird (1855-1916) was a Latter-day Saint hymnwritter. He wrote the words to "Welcome, Welcome Sabbath Morning]" (music by Ebenezer Beesley) and the words and music to "Improve the Shining Moments]" and "Thanks for the Sabbath School]", each found in the 1985 Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Baird was born on April 24, 1855, in Glasgow, Scotland. He was one of 13 children. He, along with some of his siblings, immigrated to the United States in 1863 and settled in Willard, Utah. Baird apparently was not baptized until 1876. That same year he married Anne Gwenthlyn Davis.

Baird received his musical eduation from Evan Stephens who spent much of his youth in Willard. In 1884 Brother Baird was made the director of the Willard Ward Choir. He would later work as a public school teacher and for the Oregon Shortline Railroad. He also served for a time as a member of the city council of Willard.

In addition to the aforementioned hymns, Baird wrote or composed several other hymns that appeared in other songbooks or collections published by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including "Come Away to the Sunday School," "Glory to Thee, My God, This Night," Jesus, Tender Shepherd, Hear Us," "O Father, Look Upon Us," "With Cheerful Hearts and Voices Sweet," Oh, How We Love to Sing the Songs," "Our Father in Heaven," "Come, Join with Me to Sing and Praise."

He passed away on May 28, 1916.

Sources

• J. Spencer Cornwall. Stories of Our Mormon Hymns. (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1975) pp. 89-90.
• SingPraises.net

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