It is unknown who wrote the popular hymn 'Down in the river to pray' but it is thought to date back to the the mid-19th century and was first published in 1867.
'Down in the river to pray' lyrics
As I went down to the river to pray, studyin’ about that good old way, and who shall wear the starry crown, good Lord, show me the way. [chorus]
1 Oh, sisters, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Oh, sisters, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. [chorus]
2 Oh, brothers, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Oh, brothers, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. [chorus]
Oh, children, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Oh, children, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. [chorus]
Oh, sinners, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down. Oh, sinners, let’s go down, down to the river to pray. [chorus]