participated in the creation of the Provisional State of Deseret's constitution and wrote an almanac documenting the activities of the Latter-day Saints in Utah for fourteen years. He also helped develop the Deseret alphabet and obtained the first printing press used to print the Deseret News. He wrote poems and articles for the Deseret News, as well as essays on religious topics such as the Second Coming, the priesthood, and Joseph Smith's revelations. He began working as a lawyer in 1851 and "defended numerous Saints in the courts." Phelps also joined the Deseret Horticultural Society and Deseret Theological Institute. In 1856, he wrote the LDS hymn "If You Could Hie to Kolob" for Brigham Young. He died on March 7, 1872, in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory and is buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. According to attorney and author George M. McCune, "He died a faithful and zealous disciple of the restoration." Hymns Phelps is probably best known for his legacy of Mormon hymns, many of which appear in the current edition of the LDS Church's hymnal. Adam-ondi-Ahman* Come, All Ye Saints of Zion* Come, All Ye Saints Who Dwell on Earth* Come, Let Us Sing an Evening Hymn* Gently Raise the Sacred Strain* Glorious Things Are Sung of Zion Hosanna Anthem If You Could Hie to Kolob Now Let Us Rejoice* Now We'll Sing with One Accord* O God, the Eternal Father* O Stop and Tell Me, Red Man* Praise to the Man The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning* We're Not Ashamed to Own Our Lord* Phelps also reworded popular hymns turning them into uniquely Latter Day Saint hymns. Joy to the World! the Lord will Come* Redeemer of Israel* * Included in the first Latter Day Saint hymnal in 1835. See also 1843 polygamy revelation LDS fiction Notes References . . Church Historian's Office journal, 1844–1879, Volume 9, November 15, 1847 – March 25, 1848, pg. 25. Volume 9, pg. 25 External links William Wines Phelps papers, Vault MSS 810, L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University Transcription of above W.W. Phelps papers William Wines Phelps land patents, Vault MSS SC 370, L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University Phelps family correspondence, 1835–1853, Vault MSS 810 Series 2, L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University 1792 births 1872