Comments on: John Menzies Macfarlane: Far, Far Away and Not So Long Ago

By: Dana

Dana — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:48:16 +0000

@Clark, the St. George temple wasn’t even announced until 1871. Other anomalies in that cover: he awoke in the middle of the night to write the song, so he would have been dressed in his nightshirt. The only light they had would have been a rag in a dish of lighted oil, not a nice lamp. Quill pens had not been used for a century or so; he would have written the song with a stubby pencil. Family lore disagrees on whether or not he could afford to own an organ at that time. Even so, the family is thrilled with the cover; it was a treasured possession in my childhood home.

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:43:00 +0000

It’s so wonderful to actually find my ancestor on the internet and to see his Christmas carol acknowledged. He was my great-great grandfather on my father’s side, and we used to sing this piece during our Christmas family parties.

I once heard a medley of carols that consisted, I believe, of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” or “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Far,Far Away”. It was featured in a special Christmas concert in SLC. I just about stood up and cheered! My dad would’ve been so proud to see his great grandfather’s song presented so broadly and so well to a large audience.

I’m very pleased to have the good fortune to claim John M. MacFarlane as my relative, and it’s gratifying to know that so many people recognize and enjoy his carol.

By: Cheryl Macfarlane Wilson

Cheryl Macfarlane Wilson — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:44:23 +0000

John M. Macfarlane is an ancester of my late husband although we aren’t sure how. As nearly as we could figure he was a cousin of my husbands great grandfather, James Macfarlane. The Macfarlanes have been and will continue to be a force to be reconed with. They do great things because they are great people

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:36:06 +0000

I hope your son’s appreciation for his honorable name continues to grow, Kelly.

Your report that Father Scanlan concealed a fugitive polygamist, if verifiable, would be a valuable addition to Mormon and Utah history. It does take me by surprise, though, knowing something of Father Scanlan’s opposition to plural marriage, and I would greatly appreciate further details as to date and circumstances, and a pointer toward any documentary support for the family story. Thanks in advance.

By: Kelly Macfarlane

Kelly Macfarlane — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:54:40 +0000

Being a lawyer decendant of John M. I just had to name one of my sons John Menzies Macfarlane. He has not appreciated it until recently. I too have loved bragging about John M. and his early tolerance for people of other faiths. His friendship to Father Scanlin was rewarded later when he was in hiding for polygamy and Father Scanlin helped to hide him. It pays to be kind to all and understanding toward other’s beliefs.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:23:08 +0000

Isn’t that a great cover? Late or not, I’m happy you discovered the post. Thanks.

By: Clark

Clark — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:11:35 +0000

I’m late to the party, but thanks for this post. I love the illustration too. (How long did it take to track that down?) I like how the artist used a mirror to capture both the task of composition and Macfarlane’s face. And how the old foot-pump organ and the St. George temple visible through the window give the viewer some sense of time and location. (Although I don’t believe the temple exterior was finished in 1869…) This is another gem.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:28:40 +0000

Be my guest, m&m, for private circulation but not for general distribution. (This is a slight reworking of one of my Salt Lake Tribune columns.)

By: m&m

m&m — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:57:18 +0000

I had no idea! Thank you for sharing this. (This would be another I would love to print and share — please let me know if that would be ok — if not, I understand, too.)

By: Deanna

Deanna — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:44:05 +0000

The story of this hymn is published in the book A Dixie Christmas. This story is titled Far Far Away In St. George by Mary Phoenix published by Publishers Place in St. George. 1988. John M Macfarlane is my husbands ancestor through his wife Ann Chatterley.