New hymn ‘Welcome Home’ inspired by a ward greeter’s loving embrace

Author and composer Andrea Brett was inspired by an enthusiastic greeting one snowy morning

Published: June 11, 2026, 11:00 a.m. MDT

Andrea Brett smiles with friends and family at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 6, 2025. — Andrea Brett, in the middle, smiles with friends and family at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on April 6, 2025, after listening to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square sing her hymn "Welcome Home" during general conference. Provided by Andrea Brett

Andrea Brett, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Missouri, arrived at a sacrament meeting in 2017.

On a snowy Sunday morning while visiting family in Spokane, Washington, Brett was greeted by Demetrius O’Neal, a recent convert to the Church serving as a ward greeter. Brett recalls his outstretched hands, open arms and broad smile that unexpectedly met her before she entered the meetinghouse.

She still remembers O’Neal’s greeting: “Welcome. Welcome home. Welcome to the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Welcome home.”

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