Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#394

394. 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 play 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 make happy homes
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 lab'rer's strong right arm
And vain the merchant's wealth.
Send forth Thy light to banish
The shadows and the shame,
Till all the civic virtues shine
Around our city's name.

4 A commonweal of brothers,
United, great and small,
Upon our banner blazon'd be,
The charter "Each for all!"
Nor let us cease from battle,
Nor weary sheathe the sword,
Until this city is become
The city of the Lord.

Text Information

• First Line: The fathers built this city
• Author: W. G. Tarrant, 1853-
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: City: Purified and established; The Church and the Kingdom of God: Social Service; Fathers, our

Tune Information

• Name: ALFORD
• Composer: Dr. J. B. Dykes 1823-1876
• Meter: 7.6.8.6.7.6.8.6
• Key: A♭ Major