Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#483

483. My Church! my Church! my dear old Church!

1 My Church! My Church! my dear old church!
My fathers’ and my own!
On Prophets and Apostles built,
And Christ the cornerstone!
All else beside, by storm or tide,
May yet be overthrown;
But not my church-- my dear old church--
My fathers’ and my own.

2 My Church! My Church! my dear old church!
My glory and my pride!
Firm in the faith Immanuel taught,
She holds no faith beside.
Upon this rock, ‘gainst every shock,
Though gates of hell assail,
She stands secure, with promise sure,
“They never shall prevail.”

3 My Church! My Church! my dear old Church!
I've heard the tale of blood,
Of hearts that loved her to the death--
The great, the wise, the good.
Our martyred sires defied the fires
For Christ the crucified:
The one delivered faith to keep,
They burned, they bled, they died.

4 My Church! my Church! my dear old Church!
I love her ancient name;
And God forbid, a child of hers
Should ever do her shame!
Her mother-care I'll ever share;
Her child I am alone,
Till He who gave me to her arms
Shall call me to His own.

Text Information

• First Line: My Church! my Church! my dear old Church!
• Meter: C. M. Double. No. 8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: The Church Year: Reformation; Tenth Sunday after Trinity
• Source: General Council S. S. Book, 1887

Tune Information

• Name: ATHENS
• Composer: Felice de Giardini (1760)
• Meter: C. M. Double. No. 8
• Key: E♭ Major