This week’s song is “God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand”. Click here for music
Scriptures for this song:
A nation chosen of God is blessed. What must we do to remain blessed?
Psalms 33:12
Ether 2:10-12
Various facts:
Original text by Daniel C. Roberts (1841-1907)
Music by George W. Warren (1839-1932)
The story behind the song:
Daniel C. Roberts was a shy man who served as rector of a small church in rural Vermont. He wrote this hymn text for his congregation in celebration of the American Centennial in 1876. He set it to a previously known tune.
It was in 1892 that he anonymously sent the hymn to be considered by the commission that had be formed to revise the Episcopal hymn book. They approved it. Later, the hymn was chosen for the centennial celebration of the U.S. Constitution. It would be more correct to say that the text was chosen, but a new tune, complete with trumpet fanfare at the beginning, was written.
George Warren was a very well known and loved organist in New York. In fact, no music was played at his funeral because it was felt by all the mourners that no one could be found to play better than he had.
1 comment:
Thanks for posting the words to the American national hymn, "God of Our Fathers." We need the reminder this song gives us here in Canada as well. Too often "Thy paths our chosen way" is not the direction we take! God bless.
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