Funeral Service of a University Student in Zurich

A student of the Polytechnicum Institute, who had become a friend of Elder Ralph T. Merrill, passed away after a period of illness. At the family's request, LDS Elders sang the hymn 'O My Father' at his funeral, which was held in a large church in Zurich and attended by many university professors and students. The hymn was noted for touching those present, and the family was comforted by the Elders' actions.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

The young man had always been a devoted student, and his life was a most pure one. His love for his mother was very great and their lives together were beautiful and tender. He was a true Christian and had an implicit faith in the immortality of the soul. His people being of a refined and cultured acquaintance for Elder Merrill came into an exquisite love. He had every faith that he would regain his wonted health, but last week, the Lord called him home to the great beyond. His mother and relatives were heart-broken, and at the request of the family the Elders of the Zurich branch sang 'O My Father' at the funeral services, which were held in one of the large churches here. Many people were present, including the students and professors of the University, and the hymn seemed to touch all by its tenderness and thought. The hearts of the family and relatives were completely won by the comforting deeds and words of the Elders, and the Zurich papers commented well on their singing and the spiritual tone of the words of the song.