Video
Historical Narrative
Betty Jackson King’s arrangement of “Let Us Cheer the Weary Traveler” is dedicated to Walter Henry Moss, Jr., Director of The Masters of Song at White Rock Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. White Rock Baptist Church, founded in 1871, holds a long and distinguished history as a center of worship, community leadership, and sacred music on Philadelphia’s west side. By the mid-twentieth century, the church had become known for its strong choral tradition and for fostering musical excellence through its ministries. Under the direction of Walter Henry Moss, Jr., The Masters of Song emerged as one of the church’s leading male vocal ensembles, noted for their deep, resonant sound and expressive interpretations of African American spirituals and sacred works. Moss was highly respected throughout Philadelphia’s church music community for his disciplined musicianship and leadership, qualities that resonated with King’s own artistic ideals.
Musical Description
“Let Us Cheer the Weary Traveler” is arranged for T.T.B.B. (Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Bass 1, Bass 2) with Bass Solo and piano accompaniment (for rehearsal use only). Written in G major and marked Steady at the opening, the arrangement combines the traditional character of the spiritual with King’s signature harmonic sophistication and rhythmic precision. The bass solo introduces the theme in a warm, lyrical style before being joined by the full chorus, whose homophonic texture provides a strong foundation for the solo line. The text—“Let us cheer the weary traveler along the heavenly way”—is treated with reverent optimism, embodying both comfort and encouragement.