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".

Brother Baird was born 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 recieved 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.

Sources

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