This thread is getting comprehensive; I don't believe the version of this old spiritual from Work has been posted. About the same, but put here for completeness.

Lyr. Add: I WENT DOWN IN THE VALLEY

O brothers let's go down, let's go down, let's go down,
O brothers let's go down, down to the valley to pray.

Chorus:
I went down in the valley to pray,
Studying about that good old way.
O who shall wear the starry crown,
Good Lord, show me the way,

As I went down to the valley to pray, etc.
Lord, show me the way.

O sisters let's go down, etc.

O children let's go down , etc.

O preachers let's go down, etc.

By-an'-by we'll all go down, etc.

John W. Work, ed., 1940, American Negro Songs and Spirituals, p. 69, with music.
The "River" may come more from the Baptist congregations. "Valley" is used in Allen's Slave Songs and in Work's compilations.
@spiritual @religion

(A note about the Allen spiritual posted by WYSIWYG: It is # 104, page 84, which may help locate it in printed files or indices made from this book)