1888 - 1983 Person Name: J. Spencer Cornwall, 1888–1983 Composer of "[Softly beams the sacred dawning]" in Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints J. Spencer Cornwall (1888-1983) was an author, choral conductor, composer, and arranger of music. Born in Utah, he conducted the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1935 to 1957. Under his leadership it made some of its first trips outside of the United States.
J. Spencer Cornwall