The Hymnal ‎#408

408. The fathers built this city

1 The fathers built this city
In ages long ago,
And, busy in its busy streets,
They hurried to and fro;
The children played around them
And sang the songs of yore,
Till, one by one, they fell asleep,
To work and play no more.

2 Yet still the city standeth,
A hive of toiling men,
And mother’s love makes happy home
For children now as then;
O God of ages, help us,
Such citizens to be,
That children’s children here may sing
The songs of liberty!

3 Let all the people praise Thee,
Give all Thy saving health,
Or vain the laborer’s strong right arm
And vain the merchant’s wealth;
Send forth Thy light to stablish
The glory of the Word,
Until this city is become
The city of the Lord!

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: The fathers built this city
• Author: Rev. William George Tarrant (1895)
• Meter: 7. 6. 8. 6. D.
• Publication Date: 1950
• Topic: The Kingdom of God on Earth: The City; City, The; Service
• Copyright: Words used by permission of The Beacon Press.
• Notes: Stanza 3, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: PATMOS
• Composer: Henry J. Storer (1891)
• Meter: 7. 6. 8. 6. D.
• Key: F Major