This article was written in the mid 20th Century, by Royal W. Daynes, now deceased. He was a deeply religious man, a great businessman, and my grandfather. -- Skip
Joseph John Daynes
By Royal W. Daynes
Professor Joseph J. Daynes, first official organist of the Salt Lake Tabernacle, a position he held for more than thirty years, was born in Norwich, England on April 2, 1851. He arrived in Salt Lake City with his parents, in June, 1862 and died on June 15, 1920.
It is a remarkable but historical fact that men were found in pioneer days in Utah who were able to perform all the numerous tasks of every nature and kind that were required in building up a new community in the wilderness. President Brigham Young repeatedly said that the Lord would provide men able to do all things that were necessary.
When plans were being made for building the Tabernacle it was decided to install a great pipe organ, one of the largest ever built. Among the converts of the Church was Joseph H. Ridges, a man born in England who later moved to Australia where he became proficient as an organ builder. President Young delegated Brother Ridges to build the organ and three or four men were selected as assistants. In due time the organ was completed and it was dedicated in August, 1867.
While the work of the building and the great organ were proceeding, and even before the work commenced, President Young was frequently asked who would play the instrument when completed. He made the customary reply that the Lord would provide an organist. This actually came true when John Daynes with his family, including his son Joseph, arrived in Salt Lake City in the year 1862.
John Daynes brought with him across the plains several musical instruments including a folding Melodeon. Each evening when the Saints camped for the night a concert would be given at which the singing would be lead by John Daynes and the accompaniment played by Joseph J. Daynes on the little Melodeon. When the emigrants arrived in Salt Lake City they camped on the square now occupied by the City and County Building and, following the custom, indulged in a musical entertainment.
President Brigham Young made a practice of calling at the point of encampment as the various emigrant trains arrived in the valley, for the purpose of welcoming the saints. He arrived at the camp ground just as the concert was being given and was at once attracted to the young musician, then eleven years old, performing in a remarkable manner on the little organ. President Young at once said, “There is our organist for the great Tabernacle organ.” While the Tabernacle and organ were being built the young musician was sent to New York for a course of study and upon his return, in time for the formal opening of the organ, Joseph J. Daynes became the official organist which position he held until the year 1900 when he resigned.
The late Professor Evan Stephens, conductor of the Tabernacle choir for many years while Joseph J. Daynes was official organist, said of him: -- “He was, without doubt, one of the greatest organists of his time. In my experience I never heard his equal as an accompanist for the choir and soloists and he was the very best sight reader I ever knew.”
Besides his ability as an outstanding organist Professor Daynes is the composer of a large collection of L.D.S. music including a volume of anthems, nearly thirty songs included in the L.D.S. hymn book and many other compositions.
