Classic Poem

Church Anniversary

With earnest heart and willing hand,
With spirit high and purpose fair,
Our fathers built to thee, O God,
Their simple homes of praise and prayer;

Where Truth revealed her glorious face,
And Right her solemn mandate gave,
And Love, triumphant over Death,
Saw all her mystic banners wave;

Where peace possessed the troubled mind,
And passion's stormy heart was stilled,
And sweet on trembling lips became
The cup with sorrow over-filled.

Nor less than they, our fathers' God,
We need thy help and strength and cheer,
Thy stern rebuke, thy healing hand:
We come, as they, to find them here.

And ever by their memory blest,
May we their faith and love renew,
Still seeking higher truth to know,
Still finding nobler work to do!