Classic Poem

Here where our fathers built of old,
Rough-hewn, their simple house of prayer,
We meet to-day, a grateful fold,
Of these thrice fifty years the heir.

Through time and change, through birth and death,
The stream of being ceaseless runs;
One hidden life of love and faith
Binds through all change the sires and sons.

Their record lives in all around,
Lives in our ampler thought and hope;
Through them the earth is fairer ground,
And life for us hath larger scope.

O Thou who workest all in all,
We bless thee for our heritage:
From out the past what voices call,
What visions glad the coming age!

Still hold us faithful to their trust
Who wrought for better things to be,
And when our flesh with theirs is dust,
Grant us with them to rest in thee.